 |
Self Esteem
Why self-esteem is important?
Self-esteem is the value we attribute to our own self image. It develops from the influences of all the positive and negative responses we receive from other people (Mosley 1994a, p1). People with difficult behaviours can fall into a spiral of negativity, with carers chastising bad behaviour and neglecting the good. This results in poor self-esteem, often resulting in further negative behaviour. Positive regard for the self is an important ingredient in developing one's quality of life
(Niven et al. 1994, p8) and our level of self-esteem affects how we respond to learning and social relationships (Mosley 1994a, p1).
Aromatherapists can help develop self-esteem, particularly in those who may be avoided by others because of their difficult behaviour. People who have been institutionalised for most of their lives have often lost touch with family and have never experienced the comfort of a real caring relationship. By offering the experience of touch, you are showing that someone cares - a significant first step in developing
self-esteem.
Recognising low self-esteem
Initial Check-list
Tells tales to get others into trouble yes no
Destroys own or others belongings yes no
Deliberately annoys others yes no
Critical of others yes no
Constantly argues yes no
Behaves antisocially (hitting, lying, stealing etc.) yes no
Develops avoidance tactics yes no
Demands reassurance yes no
Anxious of asking for help yes no
Denies own problems yes no
Unable to say anything good about themselves yes no
Never asks questions or volunteers information yes no
Unable to take praise, rejects praise yes no
Inability to make friendships yes no
Frequently late or misses appointments yes no
Unable to concentrate on a given task yes no
Restless and fidgety yes no
Forgets purpose of task in hand yes no
Repeatedly calls out loudly yes no
Frequently requests help or instruction yes no
Distracts others in a learning situation yes no
Sets unrealistically low or high targets yes no
Over critical of someone else's behaviour yes no
Uses aggressive language yes no
Bullies yes no
Ignores instructions yes no
Will remove presence whenever possible yes no
Shows contempt and lack of consideration yes no
Seeks to disrupt yes no
Likes to be alone yes no
Often avoids eye contact yes no
Rarely smiles yes no
Often physically awkward or stooped in posture yes no
Often puts self down yes no
A need to be liked or approved of yes no
Over conformist - agrees with everyone yes no
If 'yes' to a majority of the answers, the person would benefit from a planned self-esteem programme (LOOMANS et al. 1994)