Self-esteem problems in adolescence: what they are and how to help

The need to build an identity that is respected exposes young people to vulnerabilities.

Adolescence is a time of changes and transitions experienced by both young people and the adults in charge. During this phase of life one's identity is formed and, consequently, self-esteem is a conditioning factor in the way this evolution is experienced.

In this article we will talk about the problems of self-esteem in adolescence and about how we can prevent them from the home or the circles close to them.

The self-esteem and the adolescents

If something characterizes the stage of adolescence is its complexity. The passage from childhood to adulthood is accompanied by great changes. at all levels: personal, social, family and academic.

The way in which the adolescent faces and resolves these changes will be highly conditioned by his or her self-esteem. This will play an important role in managing these events and will also be affected by how they are managed.

It is a time when young people experience a great need to be attractive to others and to be socially accepted, so interpersonal relationships play an enormous role in the formation of self-concept.

Being part of a clan or social group is essential for the formation of one's own identity. for the formation of one's own identity, which will have a direct impact on the adolescent's level of self-esteem.

The construction of one's own identity

It is at this stage that the degree of self-esteem that the person has, can condition, both positively and negatively, relationships with others.. That is to say, a young person with low self-esteem will be more likely to experience a series of difficulties in the use of his or her social skills; on the other hand, a teenager with high self-esteem possesses a confidence that makes it easier for him or her to relate to others.

It is common that during adolescence, the self-esteem of both boys and girls is not excessively high, since any event, no matter how miniscule it may seem from the outside, can significantly alter it.

Any physical trait or condition that may be perceived as unattractive or unattractive, such as body hair or acne, as well as the feeling of not being accepted or understood, is capable of profoundly lowering the quality of a young person's self-esteem.

As a result, the construction of one's own identity may be affected, the construction of one's own identity may be affectedas this occurs throughout adolescence. A young person with low or fragile self-esteem may be afraid to show him/herself as he/she is, since fear of rejection is always present at this stage. Therefore, it is very likely that he/she will forge a first identity according to the pressures or expectations of the rest of his/her peers.

How to prevent self-esteem problems in adolescence

Although the development of self-esteem is a personal task that the adolescent must carry out on his own, a series of techniques or tactics can be carried out at home to help him and pave the way towards the construction of self-esteem.

Below, we provide a series of tips or recommendations for those parents, family members or friends who do not know how to help adolescents to improve their self-esteem..

1. Ensuring that the home is a safe context.

Due to the need for acceptance, the adolescent may experience great insecurity in certain environments such as school or high school and the group of friends. Therefore, it is necessary that the adolescent perceives that, at least at home, he/she has the security he/she needs.

The home must become a space of trustwhere the person can perceive that he/she is esteemed as he/she is. Communication in the home must be fluid and secure. That is, the adolescent must know that he can share his feelings without being judged.

Therefore, the mission of those who live under the same roof as the adolescent is to create a safe and appropriate environment that facilitates communication..

2. Honest and natural communication

The quantity of communication between family members is as important as the quality of communication. Through these exchanges of personal information, the adolescent will be able to perceive his or her family as a supportive and trustworthy resource.

Active listening, patience and correct advice are key to help strengthen the self-esteem of young people.are key to help strengthen the self-esteem of young people.

Although it is common that during this stage young people tend to reject parental advice, it is necessary that parents know how to gain the trust of their children and that the advice does not acquire a mandatory tone, but rather that it is natural and spontaneous.

3. Praise and flattery

It is an unconscious but quite common mistake not to praise or congratulate others every time something is achieved or when they do something well. In addition to praising accomplishments, it is also necessary to praise the efforts made in spite of not having achieved something..

Adolescence is a time when many mistakes are made. However, these cannot overshadow the rest of the achievements or the efforts made to reach their own goals.

It is difficult for adolescents to feel that their parents are really happy with them and sometimes they may perceive these compliments as false. To avoid this, praise should be given at the right time and in proportion to the effort or goal achieved. in proportion to the effort or goal achieved..

4. Criticism, always constructive

In cases in which the adolescent makes a mistake or it is necessary to make a judgment on his behavior, criticism can be used. But always from a constructive point of view and never in an offensive or outrageous manner..

The adolescent needs to know what he/she has done wrong, as well as the reason for the criticism and how he/she can improve. Criticism or negative judgment without basis or explanation will only diminish your self-esteem.

5. Establish limits and rules

The establishment of norms and rules at home favors the development of a sense of responsibility and, consequently, increases and strengthens self-esteem. However, these rules must be realistic, it is necessary that these norms are realistic and flexible, otherwise they can lead to aOtherwise, they may represent one more conflict in the home.

6. Always consider the teenager's opinion

The need to feel integrated also extends to the family environment. Including the teenager's opinion in household decisions will make him/her feel that he/she is part of something. will make him/her feel that he/she is part of something and feel that they are important to the family dynamic.

Adolescents enjoy being treated as adults, so asking for their opinion or a suggestion will be a compliment that will have a positive impact on their self-esteem.

7. Encourage interests and hobbies

Supporting children's interests, hobbies or interests, as well as encouraging non-formal activities outside of school is of utmost importance for the development of self-esteem.

An adolescent who who perceives that his or her parents support him or her in what he or she enjoys is much more likely to achieve satisfactory results and to succeed in what he or she likes. This will strengthen their self-esteem and promote self-acceptance.

8. Advise on personal care and hygiene

If there is something that characterizes the time of adolescence are hormonal changes and the consequences they have on the body.. This, together with the concern they tend to have for their personal appearance can cause great headaches for them.

Therefore, giving cautious and delicate advice about body hygiene, grooming and clothing will be extremely useful, will make them feel more confident and will strengthen their self-esteem.