Research Paper on:
Adolescence and Self Esteem Factors

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
factors are directly concerned with the family environment, whereas others are the result of more general societal influences such as school, peer groups, religious beliefs, and so on. Although it  is generally accepted that high self-esteem can be seen as having a positive impact on a teenagers behavioural and social development, whereas low self-esteem is associated with delinquent behaviour and  anti-social attitudes, the way that children build their self-esteem is a complex process and not one which can be directly attributed to any single element in the childs life.  For example, Yarnell (2002) considers that one of the most important factors in  encouraging high self-esteem in children is the parents own self-perception: if they view their parents as positive role models, this will assist them in their own positive view of their  self-worth. He recommends finding aspects of the childs behaviour to praise, distinguishing between a negative reaction to feelings and to behaviour, and constantly emphasising to the child that s/he has  the support of the family. Rather than criticising unacceptable behavioural patterns, it is more productive to praise and encourage positive ones.  Yong et al (2002) in their study of eighth-grade students, found that there was a close correlation between high self-esteem  and level of involvement in religious activities. They concluded that this implied that religious institutions encouraged young people to have a positive self-image. It could also be asserted that since  religious activities tend to involve community activities, and are family-oriented, the children were more easily able to form the kind of social bonds which give them a feeling of belonging,