Self-esteem is defined as a personality trait that involves beliefs about oneself, such as judgments about one's appearance, beliefs, emotions, and behavior. It plays a crucial role in overcoming life's challenges and leading to happiness. Low self-esteem can result in less practical social skills. Of course, Self Esteem has a big influence on everyone, both men and women. Women often think that their self-worth is based on how others perceive them. Like how attractive their faces are and how beautiful their bodies are. This discussion about women's self-esteem is interesting to discuss. What are the things that can affect women's self-esteem?
The first point is physical appearance. Physical appearance is a common thing that is often associated by some people with women's self esteem. Because the level of beauty is often associated with women's well-being (Povoa, 2020). The influence of physical appearance on women's self-esteem has also been an important research topic in psychology and social science. Research by Medeiros de Morais et al. (2017) showed that body dissatisfaction can lead to decreased quality of life. This suggests that body perception and body image can have a significant impact on women's self-esteem. Not only beauty, but physical endurance can also affect the level of self esteem in women. Research by Krl et al. (2022) among women who practiced CrossFit (a gym located in the United States) found that body perceptions and a tendency to depend on physical exercise can have an impact on women's self-esteem. This suggests the importance of understanding the relationship between physique and women's self-esteem in a psychological and social context. However, is physical appearance the only factor that can influence a woman's self esteem? there is one more point that we can pay closer attention and discuss.
The second point is stereotyping. Women are often stereotyped, which makes them value themselves based on the expectations made by society. Such as how good they are at doing house work and child raising. The influence of stereotypes on women's self-esteem refers to the impact that expectations and feedback have on women according to gender stereotypes that exist in society. Research by Jordan & Zeigler-Hill (2013) shows that stereotypes about gender roles and abilities can affect women's self-esteem. In addition, stereotypes about leadership and roles in society can also affect women's self-perceptions and their self-esteem (Eagly & Karau, 2002). These stereotypes include stereotypes about gender roles, abilities, leadership and roles in society. These stereotypes can affect women's self-esteem and their perception of themselves.
Factors affecting women's self-esteem include more than just the physical appearance category. While society's focus on beauty is undeniable, it is not the only factor that affects women's self esteem. Stereotypes, deeply rooted in societal norms, form the general rules that dictate women's roles, abilities and worth. These fixed expectations, whether about career prowess or leadership ability, are strongly linked to self-perception. For this reason, a deeper understanding of women's self-esteem is needed. It is important to realize that self-esteem in women is often formed on social constructs and individual perceptions, which include physicality and the influence of commonly recognized stereotypes. Finally, dealing with and reshaping these society views holds the key to building a healthier and more empowering environment for women to thrive and embrace their strengths beyond the limitations created by society.
Reference Sources
Wittlin, N. M., LaFrance, M., Dovidio, J. F., & Richeson, J. A. (2023). US cisgender women's psychological responses to physical femininity threats: Increased anxiety, reduced self-esteem. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 110, 104547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2023.104547
Ghate, S. A., Minchekar, V., & Airlangga, D. Z. (2023). Menopause Depression Management through Self-Esteem Development. Jurnal Tazkiya, 11(1), 13--22. https://doi.org/10.15408/tazkiya.v11i1.31788
Krl, T., Wojtyna, E., Hyla, M., Michalik, P., & Michalski, T. (2022). The dark side of sport training. Self-esteem, narcissism and exercise addiction in women's CrossFit training. Revue Europenne De Psychologie Applique, 72(5), 100814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erap.2022.100814
Pvoa, . C. S., Pech, W., Viacava, J. J. C., & Schwartz, M. T. (2020). Is the beauty premium accessible to all? An experimental analysis. Journal of Economic Psychology, 78, 102252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2020.102252
