Introduction
Part of the fulfillment of my bachelor’s studies requires me to choose and research a topic related to one of my courses: social studies. The topic that interested me most of all is self-confidence because I readily relate to it. I have sufficient information related to this topic, which made it my choice. Self-confidence is a topic that has intertwined such subtopics as self-awareness, self-esteem, and stress management (Neel, 2012). There are several issues and problems, which result from a lack of self-confidence; some of these issues are evident in the current society, and the UAE. These include increased cases of obesity and eating disorders, excessive abuse in marriages, bullying as children, which affects their education, social behaviors, and general stress. Therefore, this is a report on self-confidence and its inter-related issues as evidenced by the people in the UAE (Mruk, 2006).
Method
Internet Sources
This study involves the use of both primary and secondary data. Some psychologists have thoroughly researched the issue of self-confidence, and have written it down in books and other online materials such as periodicals and websites for reference. These materials are very resourceful in this study since they provide in-depth information regarding the topic of self-confidence. They also offer information on solutions to the problems that result from self-confidence.
Survey
The use of a survey in data collection is also a resourceful tool in this study. This is because surveys offer first-hand information or primary data. Whenever a topic is researched through surveys, the information received is diverse and more accurate. In this case, surveys were distributed to both genders of students ranging from ages 17 to 40. The surveys were given to different genders of different ages and with different life experiences. They also had, unlike marital statuses and personalities. The big range of respondents in the surveys given resulted in quality information gathered.
Results
Survey Findings
This study brought up a diverse range of findings. From the surveys, it is noted that most of the surveys were filled and returned by female students, and most of those who were involved ranged between ages 21 to 30. A big percentage of the respondents were single. The percentage that had experienced effects of low esteem such as bullying in school was also higher than the percentage of people who did not have such experience. It was also noted that a big percentage of people view themselves as critical and crucial, and others are overly confident and conceited. Most respondents confessed that, if offended, they would inform their offenders how they felt about it after a while. Half of the respondents confessed that they fear failure sometimes. A big percentage also felt confident.
Internet Sources Findings
The research shows that self-confidence is an aspect desired and admired by all. Self-confident people are easily accepted in society. It is a trait that one should have to be successful. People who are self-confident easily influence others positively, and grant hope (Branden, 2001). However, it is not an aspect that one has to be born with; self-confidence can be learned and developed. Staying with self-confident people is always a good starting point. Having the right mindset is also another aspect that helps develop one’s self-confidence. Lack of self-confidence can lead to adverse impacts both physically and mentally. Therefore, self-confidence is important whether for the sake of personal success or the sake of the wellbeing of a person.
Problems Associated with Self-confidence
Lack of self-confidence can be detrimental and leads to several ill effects in a person’s life. For instance, one of the problems caused by low self-confidence is being bullied by peers. Students who lack self-confidence are easily recognized, which makes them vulnerable, and a target to bullies. They are taunted, called mean names, tripped over, and also accused falsely since they never speak out in self-defense because of lack of self-confidence (Timko, Erica, Herbert, & Foreman, 2010). These acts lead not only to the physical scars that soon heal but also to emotional scars, which might take a lifetime to heal. In adverse cases, such students become traumatized and stressed. Some become suicidal while others resolve to use drugs to hide from their pains (Rodewalt & Tragakis, 2003).
Other problems associated with low self-esteem include eating disorders. In the UAE for instance, obesity is a disease that is known to be caused by stress. This comes from having low self-esteem. Less confident people try to cover up for this by keeping themselves engaged (Steinhausen & Voltrath, 1993). One of the ways of engaging oneself is to have some biting now and then. This unmanaged eating, especially consuming junk food, leads to the development of excessive body fats. When a person has poor self-confidence they tend to be stressed; this is also negative on the digestive system. Body fats cannot be processed under a high level of stress, since the body has its energy diverted to the brain to manage stress. Therefore, low self-confidence can lead to poor health conditions.
Solutions to these problems
The only way to resolve issues brought about by low self-esteem is through building self-confidence. Self-confidence can be developed by engaging in certain habits. It is not a process that occurs overnight. It is a process that involves repetitive action of activities boosting one’s esteem until a person gains confidence (Sedikides & Gregg, 2003). These activities include talking to a person positively. When the inner voice is positive it boosts how we feel about ourselves. Not comparing oneself with others is also an aspect that leads to self-confidence. Realizing one’s mistakes and acknowledging them rather than covering them up, also lead to increased self-confidence. Another way to build self-confidence is worrying less and trying to enjoy everything one does. This brings joy to a person hence raising the level of self-confidence. Physical exercise helps boost confidence since a person gains perfect body shape as well as an easy flow of air, which boosts how one feels. To be assertive while communicating is also a means of boosting a person’s self-confidence (Ruggiero, 2000).
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, self-confidence is an aspect that is very crucial in the life of a person. This is because it affects the general wellbeing of the person, which determines how one lives. Lack of self-confidence can lead to physical and mental problems, yet this can be hindered by building the person’s self-confidence. To encourage people to view themselves positively, and to have a positive view of life is also an aspect that boosts self-confidence. It is also recommended that in an effort of seeking self-confidence one should not become overconfident. Overconfidence can be disastrous since it makes people regard themselves as higher than they are. Hence, failing to meet the expectations that are set by such a person can demoralize them and cause stress.
References
Branden, N. (2001). The psychology of self-esteem: a revolutionary approach to self understanding that launched a new era in modern psychology. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Mruk, C. (2006). Self-Esteem research, theory, and practice: Toward a positive psychology of self-esteem (3rd ed.). New York: Springer.
Neel, B. (2012, May 30). Building Confidence and Self-Esteem. Web.
Rodewalt, F., & Tragakis, M. W. (2003). Self-esteem and self-regulation: Toward optimal studies of self-esteem. Psychological Inquiry, 14(1), 66–70.
Ruggiero, V. R. (2000). Bad Attitude: Confronting the Views That Hinder Student’s Learning. American Educator, 24(2),10-48.
Sedikides, C., & Gregg, A. P. (2003). Portraits of the Self. In M. A. Hogg & J. Cooper (Eds.), Sage handbook of social psychology (pp. 110–138). London: Sage Publications.
Steinhausen, H.-C., & Voltrath., M. (1993). The self-image of adolescent patients with eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 13(2), 221-227.
Timko, A., England, E., Herbert, J., & Foreman, E. (2010). The implicit relational assessment procedure as a measure of self-esteem. The Psychological Record, 60(4), 679-698.