Many psychologists think that low self-esteem is responsible for people abusing their bodies, which in turn can lead to underachievement, unemployment, depression, drug-addiction, sexual diseases and pregnancy. These consequences not only affect the individual concerned, but also the wider community and society.
Q. In what ways do an individual’s actions and life choices affect their community and the society they live in?
People with low self-esteem often have factors outside their immediate control that make them feel bad about themselves. These factors may be family upbringing or early experiences e.g. a harsh parent or an experience of abuse. Other factors that can upset a person’s self-esteem are inequalities within their society such as prejudice based on class, race, sexuality or gender. These factors can affect people on a deep level for the whole of their lives.
Q. What can you do personally to try to prevent these factors affecting the way people feel about themselves?
