The focus of the Self-esteem Module is how positive self-esteem and a strong sense of self is important to maintaining a healthy self-image and can be protective against unhealthy relationships. The rationale is that when youth have a stronger sense of self and positive self-esteem, they may be more likely to form healthier relationships, establish boundaries as necessary, and seek support in the face of unhealthy relationships. In this module, youth will learn how stress can impact their sense of self and self-esteem, how others influence their self-esteem, the importance of positive self-talk, and strategies for boosting self-esteem.

Big Messages:

• Self-esteem is our feeling of self-worth
• How we feel about ourselves is important for our well-being and for our relationships with others
• Self-esteem can be emotionally protective; when we have high self-esteem, we may be less likely to believe negative or hurtful messages from others
  

Learning Goals:

Increase awareness of how a strong sense of self is important in maintaining a healthy self-image and how it is protective

• Identify the importance of a healthy self
• Explore how others impact upon our self-esteem
• Explore how self-esteem can influence our relationships with others
• Increase awareness about the benefits of positive self-talk
• Identify strategies for boosting self-esteem

What The Evidence Says

(click here for full version of literature review)

Self-esteem can be defined as our sense of self-worth and how good we feel about ourselves (Rosenberg, 1965). Having a healthy sense of self with high self-esteem and self-compassion has been found to be an indicator of well-being and stable mental health (Leary et al., 2007; Vettese, et al., 2011).The focus of this module is on how positive self-esteem and a strong sense of self can be protective. The rationale is that when youth have a stronger sense of self and positive self-esteem, they may be more effective at coping with stress, be in healthier relationships, put down boundaries as necessary, and seek support in the face of unhealthy relationships. In this module, youth will learn how stresses in their lives can impact on their sense of self and self-esteem, how others influence their self-esteem, the importance of positive self-talk, and strategies for boosting self-esteem.

Note to Facilitator:

The facilitator has a legal obligation to report suspicions of child abuse to a child protection agency (in the case of Ontario, the Children’s Aid Society (CAS)). Please review over the information provided around disclosure and the reporting process.

Activities

My Name Bookmark
Self-esteem Small Group Discussion
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