Low Self Esteem Vs High Self Esteem

Written on 4th Jan, 2010 

 

by

Sadaf Fayyaz

Some old theories and concepts explain well to a limited extent how one is a victim of both the extremes. Abraham Maslow need theory gave a definite idea about the needs in a hierarchy of well-defined levels. Both of these lie at two extremes, with both being hazardous for a human. People have only objected the low-self-esteem, but I think the other extreme can be extremely deadly and destructive for a human being as well. The victims of low self-esteem are found involved in killings, murder and violence kind behavior. One often sees husbands killing and beating their wives, who have better education and backgrounds than them, very brutally. Some low self-esteem individuals use violence as way to show their superiority. There come some groups with high qualification and unsuccessful careers, depicting low self-esteem and frustration. The reaction came because they weren’t able to reflect a high opinion of themselves. On the other hand, there are individuals with high self-esteem. Such attitude develops a superiority complex among individuals suffering from it. By virtue of some domains like, family’s love and support, leaving others behind in competition, getting favors from others, virtue, academic achievements, attractiveness and love from people, individuals derive their self-value. These domains are also sources of self-esteem too. I think both the extremes are precarious for human beings, in their own milieus. The low extreme creates a condition where one thinks too low of himself, becomes a patient of depression, values himself less than others, underestimates himself, thus forms a low opinion about himself. This results in their lack of interest, boredom, destructive habits and undervaluing themselves. On the contrary, the person having high or excessive self-esteem may have a low regard for others. The ones suffering from higher self-esteem pose a bigger threat for society. The low self-esteem sufferers inhibit food disorders, depression, and low confidence. The ones having high esteem feel infuriated when someone disagrees with them, treating this difference as an insult. Secondly they start thinking too highly of themselves, having no regard for others, ignoring their faults, thus developing a narcissist attitude. This in turns develops, egoistic and arrogance with excessive levels. The best thing is to have a balanced self-esteem and avoid excess or deficit of it.