Introduction: Self-esteem is the critical evaluation of oneself, which results in negative or positive thoughts about oneself (Decker, 2010; Kaya & Saçkes, 2004). How an individual sees himself or herself is important to how he or she behaves and the daily decisions he or she makes (Hamarta, 2004). Regarding adolescents, self-esteem is of particular importance, influencing everyday decisions that can have a lifelong impact (Person & Year, 2007). Self-esteem can be defined based on how one sees himself. In this view of self-esteem, there must be a reference point against which the individual compares himself, although the view of himself may be positive or negative relative to that particular reference point. In positive self-esteem the individual is satisfied with how he or she is and therefore sees himself/herself favorably compared to that particular reference point. In contrast, in negative self-esteem, the individual fails to meet this ideal reference point of how he or she should be externally (Decker, 2010). What does self-esteem look like on the outside or how does it manifest itself on the outside? When it comes to low self-esteem, this is related to depression, body dissatisfaction, weight gain and, in severe cases, psychological disorders and suicide (Gayman, Lloyd, Ueno 2010; T & Donnellan, 2009). In contrast, high self-esteem is related to self-acceptance, self-respect, academic success, and a greater likelihood of achieving one's life goals (Trezeneski & Donnellan, 2009). Considering these factors, I felt it was important to develop a psychoeducational program that promotes high self-esteem in adolescents. Many programs and research have been developed over the last 30 years with respect...... middle of paper .... ..the process of looking at oneself to evaluate aspects important to one's identity. Various studies consistently demonstrate that one of the most important components to one's identity is physical appearance. Young people with appearance concerns are at risk of developing low self-esteem as well as social-emotional problems, which focus on the negative changes that occur in an individual's personality, emotions, and relationships with others throughout their life. . So this week is the central focus of what this program is essentially about. Through self-assessment tools such as the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a scale widely used in cross-cultural studies in more than 50 nations, we will be able to obtain data on how one sees oneself thus allowing for individualization of the curriculum based on the individual's self-reflection.
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