The Role and Concept of Self-Esteem Is Analysed In Terms Of Its Relationship to Emotional Intelligence

Self-esteem is a psychological term to reflect a person’s overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs (for example, I am competent, I am worthy) and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame.

The self-concept is what we think about the self; self-esteem, the positive or negative evaluation of the self, is how we feel about it. Self-esteem refers to general feelings of self-worth or self-value, it is the value placed on oneself. It is the way an individual feels about him/herself and how he or she relates to other people. Self-esteem can also explained as pride in oneself by which one is aware and accepts one‘s inherent strengths and positive qualities. In other words it is the judgment that people make of themselves, be it negative or positive.

Positive self-esteem
People with a healthy level of self-esteem:

• Firmly believe in certain values and principles, and are ready to defend them even when finding opposition, feeling secure enough to modify them in light of experience.
• Are able to act according to what they think to be the best choice, trusting their own judgment, and not feeling guilty when others don’t like their choice.
• Do not lose time worrying excessively about what happened in the past, nor about what could happen in the future. They learn from the past and plan for the future, but live in the present intensely.
• Fully trust in their capacity to solve problems, not hesitating after failures and difficulties. They ask others for help when they need it.
• Consider themselves as equal in dignity to others, rather than inferior or superior, while accepting differences in certain talents, personal prestige or financial standing.
• Take for granted that they are an interesting and valuable person for others, at least for those with whom they have a friendship.
• Resist manipulation; collaborate with others only if it seems appropriate and convenient.
• Admit and accept different internal feelings and drives, either positive or negative, revealing those drives to others only when they choose.
• Are able to enjoy a great variety of activities.
• Are sensitive to feelings and needs of others; respect generally accepted social rules, and claim no right or desire to prosper at others’ expense.

Relationship between esteem and EQ.

When a person can accept his/her weaknesses and faults and simultaneously recognizes his/her strengths and positive qualities, the person will experience strong self-worth and high self-esteem. Higher emotional intelligence was typically associated to positive moods and higher self-esteem.

Literature suggests that emotionally intelligent persons are likely to experience a higher level of psychological wellbeing and a lower level of emotional deficit than persons, who possess a low-level of emotional intelligence (e.g. Salovey & Mayer, 1990), this is because emotionally intelligent persons are able to maintain positive mental states due to their capability to efficiently manage (by recognizing, understanding, generating, regulating and promoting) their emotions (Mayer & Salovey,1995; Salovey & Mayer, 1993).
Research found that emotional intelligence and self-esteem were positively correlated and significant. Females tend to be more emotionally intelligent and intimate in their relationships as compared to males, so their emotional intelligence ought to be higher than that of males.