Self-esteem has been categorized into two psychological types (Huang, 2010; Orth & Robins, 2014):

1. Global self-esteem, which is a general sense of one's worth.
2. Domain-specific self-esteem relates to specific areas of life, such as academics, physical appearance, or relationships.

Various factors can influence self-esteem, including personal experiences, social interactions, achievements, relationships, and cultural or societal norms. It is shaped over time and can fluctuate based on different circumstances and life events.

A balanced and realistic view of oneself characterizes healthy self-esteem. It involves having a positive self-image, recognizing one's strengths and abilities, and acknowledging areas for improvement without diminishing one's self-worth. Individuals with high self-esteem generally have a sense of confidence, self-assurance, and resilience.

A negative self-image, self-doubt, and a persistent feeling of inadequacy or unworthiness characterize low self-esteem. Individuals with low self-esteem often struggle with self-criticism, fear of failure, and difficulty in accepting themselves fully.

It is important to note that self-esteem is different from self-confidence. While self-esteem relates to a broader evaluation of one's worth, self-confidence is the belief in your abilities to accomplish specific tasks or goals. However, self-esteem and self-confidence often interact and influence each other. Building self-esteem can enhance self-confidence and vice versa.

Developing and maintaining healthy self-esteem is a valuable aspect of personal well-being and can positively impact various areas of life, including relationships, academic or professional pursuits, and overall emotional resilience.

Self-esteem plays a crucial role in both physical and mental health. Psychological research suggests that higher self-esteem is associated with better overall well-being and lower stress, anxiety, and depression (Sowislo & Orth, 2013).

There is evidence of a bidirectional relationship between self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. In other words, positive relationships can boost self-esteem, and this high self-esteem can lead to overall healthier relationships (Orth, Robins, & Widaman, 2012).

In terms of interventions, psychotherapy techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and humanistic approaches, have effectively improved self-esteem (Mann, Hosman, Schaalma, & de Vries, 2004). Emerging research into social media suggests a relationship between online behavior and self-esteem. While moderate social media use can have positive effects, excessive social media use may negatively impact self-esteem (Valkenburg, Peter, & Schouten, 2006).

Self-Esteem in Psychotherapy

Self-esteem is a critical concept in psychotherapy, often viewed as a measure of an individual's overall sense of self-worth or personal value. Self-esteem is essential to mental health and well-being.

Self-esteem is not fixed but can change over time based on life experiences, thought patterns, and interactions with others. Individuals with high self-esteem typically have a positive self-concept and feel confident in their abilities and worth. On the other hand, individuals with low self-esteem may hold negative beliefs about themselves, feel unworthy or incompetent, and struggle with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) views low self-esteem as a result of maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. Individuals may interpret experiences in ways that reinforce negative self-conceptions, contributing to a cycle of self-depreciation. CBT aims to challenge and change these thought patterns to build a healthier, more positive self-concept.

The psychodynamic approach suggests low self-esteem manifests as unresolved childhood experiences or internal conflicts. Psychodynamic Therapy involves uncovering and addressing these underlying issues to improve self-esteem.

Gestalt therapy views self-esteem as a holistic understanding of oneself within your environment. Self-esteem is a process rather than a fixed trait. Self-esteem involves an ongoing negotiation between a person's needs, environment, and self-perception. Gestalt therapists believe self-esteem issues often arise from "unfinished business" or unresolved past experiences that disrupt the self's wholeness and balance. This could include unprocessed emotions, unmet needs, or unresolved conflicts. The focus is often on identifying these patterns and helping the individual integrate these unresolved aspects into their current self-concept.

In gestalt therapy, building self-esteem is about enhancing self-awareness and self-acceptance, which involves acknowledging and integrating all parts of the self, including both strengths and weaknesses. This is seen as crucial for achieving personal growth and self-enhancement. 

Through techniques such as the empty chair technique or experiential exercises, Gestalt therapists guide their clients toward confronting these unresolved issues. This confrontation and resolution can lead to a healthier, more complete sense of self, improving self-esteem.

Gestalt therapists believe that self-esteem cannot be fully understood or developed in isolation but must be considered in the context of the individual's interactions with their environment. By becoming more aware of their own needs and responses and learning to meet their needs healthily, individuals can improve their self-esteem and overall psychological well-being.

In all these therapeutic models, improving self-esteem is a central goal because it can improve mental health and relationships and promote personal growth and resilience.

The Benefits of Self-Esteem for Relationships

High self-esteem helps build positive, fulfilling, and healthy relationships. It can help individuals navigate the challenges that inevitably arise in interpersonal relationships and enable them to seek and maintain relationships that contribute positively to their lives.

High self-esteem can significantly contribute to building positive, fulfilling, and healthy relationships in several ways:

1. Improved self-worth: Individuals with high self-esteem tend to have a positive perception of themselves, acknowledging their strengths, values, and qualities. This positive self-worth enables them to enter relationships with a sense of confidence and self-assurance. They are less likely to seek validation from others or rely on their partners for self-esteem boosts, fostering healthier dynamics.
2. Respectful boundaries: People with high self-esteem are more likely to establish and uphold healthy boundaries in their relationships. They clearly understand their needs, values, and personal limits. This allows them to communicate their boundaries effectively and assertively, leading to a more respectful and balanced relationship dynamic.
3. Effective communication: High self-esteem often goes hand in hand with good communication skills. Individuals with a positive self-image are more inclined to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly and honestly. They are confident in contributing to the relationship and engaging in effective problem-solving discussions, leading to a deeper understanding and connection with their partner.
4. Emotional well-being: Individuals with high self-esteem are generally more emotionally stable and resilient. They are better equipped to handle conflicts, setbacks, and challenges in their relationships without compromising their self-worth. This emotional stability allows them to navigate relationship difficulties with grace, empathy, and compassion, fostering healthier and more supportive partnerships.
5. Reduced dependency: High self-esteem helps individuals maintain a healthy level of independence within their relationships. They are less likely to depend on their partners for their happiness or fulfillment overly. Instead, they recognize their own value and actively pursue personal growth and self-fulfillment. This independence and self-reliance contribute to a healthier interdependence between partners, where both individuals can support and nurture each other without sacrificing their individuality.
6. Attraction to healthy relationships: People with high self-esteem often have a clearer understanding of what they deserve in a relationship. They are less likely to settle for unhealthy or abusive dynamics and are attracted to partners who respect and value them. This self-awareness and self-respect allow them to establish and maintain positive, fulfilling, and conducive relationships to their overall well-being.

It is important to note that building and maintaining high self-esteem is a lifelong journey that involves self-reflection, self-care, and personal growth. Therapy, self-help resources, and supportive relationships can all contribute to developing and sustaining a healthy sense of self-esteem.

References

Huang, C. (2010). Mean-level change in self-esteem from childhood through adulthood: Meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Review of General Psychology, 14(3), 251–260. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0020543

Mann, M., Hosman, C. M. H., Schaalma, H. P., & de Vries, N. K. (2004). Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion. Health Education Research, 19(4), 357–372. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/cyg041 

Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2014). The development of self-esteem. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 381–387. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414547414 

Orth, U., Robins, R. W., & Widaman, K. F. (2012). Life-span development of self-esteem and its effects on important life outcomes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 102(6), 1271–1288. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025558

Sowislo, J. F., & Orth, U. (2013). Does low self-esteem predict depression and anxiety? A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychological Bulletin, 139(1), 213–240. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028931

Valkenburg, P. M., Peter, J., & Schouten, A. P. (2006). Friend Networking Sites and Their Relationship to Adolescents' Well-Being and Social Self-Esteem. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 9(5), 584–590. https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2006.9.584