Self-Esteem in Children: Considerations for Measurement and Intervention

Abstract

A differentiated model of self-esteem, based on William James's (1890), C. H. Cooley's (1902/1968), and G. H. Mead's (1925/1968) works and developed by Dr. Susan Harter (1983), is presented as a valuable tool for the occupational therapist to use in evaluation and intervention. Competence and social support are considered important components, and discounting is presented as a mechanism for the maintenance or improvement of self-esteem. Social comparison, social desirability, and defensiveness are discussed as important considerations, particularly regarding children with disabilities.

Transtorno do desenvolvimento da coordenação e senso de auto-eficácia: implicações para a prática da terapia ocupacional

“…Neste sentido, o trabalho de Pastorelli et al (2001) sobre a estrutura da auto-eficácia percebida em crianças emerge como importante recurso a fim de apresentar algumas considerações a respeito das relações existentes entre o indivíduo e seu ambiente na construção e desenvolvimento das crenças pessoais.…”

“…Especialmente quando encontram dificuldades, os que acreditam serem capazes de desempenhar bem trabalham duro e persistem mais do que os que duvidam de suas capacidades. Crianças em idade escolar adquirem informações para avaliar a auto-eficácia a partir do seu desempenho, experiências de observações, formas de persuasão e reações psicológicas (PASTORELLI et al, 2001).…”

“…Embora futuras pesquisas sejam necessárias para expandir o tamanho da amostra e o número de ítens representando a eficácia auto-regulatória, tal análise revelou também efeito significativo de gênero: meninos expressaram menor eficácia para resistir a pressão dos pares em se engajar em atividades transgressivas do que as meninas (PASTORELLI et al, 2001).…”

Investigation of tactile defensiveness and self‐esteem in typically developing children

“…Self-esteem is also considered a key aspect of psychological functioning (King et al, 1989). In paediatric practice, the construct of self-esteem is used by occupational therapists as either an explicit or implicit treatment goal for children having almost any problem (Mayberry, 1990). King et al (1989) found that among a group of adolescents with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and cleft palate, females demonstrated low scores in social acceptance, athletic competence and romantic appeal, whereas males had low scores in scholastic competence, athletic competence and romantic appeal -all of which contribute to self-esteem.…”

“…The goal to improve self-esteem is often seen in a paediatric treatment plan (Mayberry, 1990). Various researchers have suggested that information about self-esteem in individuals with disabilities can be used by occupational therapists to help clients determine what is important in their lives, as well as to improve self-esteem and overall functioning (Mayberry, 1990;Magill-Evens and Restall, 1991).…”