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Problems of self-esteem in adolescence: what they are and how to help

Problems of self-esteem in adolescence: what they are and how to help

March 5, 2024

Adolescence is a stage of changes and transitions suffered by both young people and adults who are in charge. During this phase of life, one's own identity is formed and, therefore, self-esteem is a conditioning factor in the way in which 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 home or the circles near them.

  • Related article: "Low self-esteem? When you become your worst enemy"

Self-esteem and 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 solves these changes will be highly conditioned by their self-esteem. Which will play an important role in managing these events and will also be affected by how they are managed.

It is a time in which young people experience a great need to be attractive to others and to be accepted socially, 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 identity, which will directly affect the adolescent's level of self-esteem.


  • Maybe you're interested: "The 3 stages of adolescence"

The construction of one's identity

It is in this same stage in which the degree of self-esteem that the person possesses can condition, both positively and negatively, relationships with others . That is, a young person with low self-esteem will be more likely to experience a series of difficulties in terms of the use of their social skills; On the other hand, a teenager with high self-esteem has a confidence that facilitates the relationship with others.

It is usual that during the adolescent period, the self-esteem of both boys and girls is not excessively high, since any event, however tiny it may seem from the outside, can significantly alter it.

Any trait or physical condition that can be perceived as little or not attractive, such as body hair or acne, as well as the feeling of not being accepted or understood, is capable of diminishing the quality of the young person's self-esteem.


Due, the construction of one's identity may be affected , since this happens throughout adolescence. A young person with low or fragile self-esteem may feel afraid to show himself as he is, given that the fear of rejection is always present at this stage. So it is very likely that this forge a first identity according to the pressures or expectations of the rest of equals.

How to prevent self-esteem problems in adolescence

Although the development of self-esteem is a personal work that the adolescent must do on their own, from home they can carry out a series of techniques or tactics to help and pave the way to the construction of self-love.

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

1. Make sure that the home is a safe context

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

The home must become a space of trust , in which the person can perceive that it is estimated as it is. The communication in the home must be fluid and safe. That is, the adolescent should 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 that of create a safe and appropriate environment that facilitates communication .

2. Sincere and natural communication

So important is the amount of communication between family members, such as the quality of the family. Because through these exchanges of personal information, the adolescent will get to perceive his family as a support and a resource of trust.

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

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

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3. Praise and flatter

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

The stage of adolescence is a period in which many mistakes are made. However, these can not overshadow the rest of achievements or the efforts made to achieve their own goals.

In complicated that the adolescent feels that his parents and mothers are really happy with them and in some occasions they can perceive these flatteries as false. To avoid this, praise must be provided at the right time and in proportion to the effort or goal achieved .

4. Criticism, always constructive

In cases where the adolescent makes an error 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 way .

The adolescent needs to know what he has done wrong, as well as the reason for the criticism and how he can improve. Carrying out a negative criticism or judgment without foundation or explanation will only cause a decrease in your self-esteem.

5. Set 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, it is necessary that these standards be realistic and flexible , otherwise they can pose another conflict in the home.

6. Always consider the opinion of the adolescent

The need to feel integrated is also transferred to the family. Include the opinion of the adolescent in the decisions of the home It will make you feel like part of something and will perceive that it is important for family dynamics.

Adolescents enjoy when they are treated as adults, for which asking for their opinion or for any suggestion will be a compliment that will positively affect their self-esteem.

7. Stimulate interests and hobbies

Supporting the interests, hobbies or hobbies of children, as well as stimulating non-regulated activities outside of school is of the utmost importance for the development of self-esteem.

A teenager who he perceives that his parents support him in what he likes he is much more likely to achieve satisfactory results and to succeed in what he likes. This will strengthen your self-esteem and favor your own acceptance.

8. Advise on personal care and hygiene

If there is anything that characterizes the adolescent era, they are the hormonal changes and the consequences they have on the body . This, coupled with the concern they usually have for their personal appearance can cause big headaches in them.

Therefore, advising in a cautious and delicate way about body hygiene, grooming and clothing will be extremely useful, they will feel more secure and will strengthen their self-esteem.


8 Ways to Build Self Esteem in Teenagers (March 2024).


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