Camille Zendzian

Zendzian 1

Ms. Kasyanik
English 9H 3B
21 March 2012
Confidence and Self-esteem
When faced with a challenge, we all stop and think to ourselves whether or not we will be
able to overcome it - will we be able to accomplish what we hope to? This is called confidence,
an emotion that only some people display while many others lack it completely. Confidence is a
positive emotion that tells people yes, they can do this. It gives them the extra push they need to
face a challenge or goal. Confidence is an emotion that is caused by a positive self-esteem,
among other things, and will affect ones health positively.
Confidence is the way people see their capabilities, which goes hand-in-hand with their
self-esteem, or the way they feel about themselves. The article states, [Confidence] comes from
the Latin verb confidere, to reply strongly upon a sense of self-assurance or boldness based
upon the belief that everything will be all right (Words-worth). When people think they are
capable of handling anything life throws at them, they have confidence in themself and their
abilities and the way a person views himself/herself is called self-esteem (McFarland 9).
Challenges in peoples lives can cause them to lose confidence, making them doubt whether or
not they will be able to accomplish what they hope (Schafer). This article mentions, Selfesteem [is] providing strategies for improving confidence, such as setting achievable goals and
being aware of negative self-talk (Vogel).

Zendzian 2
There are many factors in ones life that will affect his or her confidence. The first factor,
self-esteem, is a characteristic that can only be taken away or improved by oneself and not
anyone else. There will be some things in life people cannot control, so it is best for them to
redact their thoughts on the situation because the way they think will affect their self-esteem and
confidence (McFarland 9). Some factors that affect ones self-esteem will in turn affect ones
confidence, as the article remarks, Difficulty in achieving a well-balanced self-image, along
with social pressures, often damages self-confidence, which only improves adolescence
(Bogovic). A second factor is the amount of physical activities a person participates in. People
who exercise tend to exhibit more confidence in their capabilities. Confidence in oneself can be
increased through physical activities or sports, which teach people important psychological
principles (Hutchington and Mercier). A third factor is self-talk, which this article points out,
Positive self-talk increases self-confidence and ones ability to perform physical activities.
Negative self-talk, on the other hand, can lower ones self-confidence (Hutchington and
Mercier).
Having confidence will positively affect a persons emotional health. As stated before,
confidence and self-esteem go hand-in-hand, therefore when someone is lacking confidence they
are suffering from a negative self-esteem. A negative self-esteem is usually associated with
depression, while a positive self-esteem is essential for improving ones mental health (Tesser
213). Also, as this article notes, Findings suggest that [a] group is (statistically and clinically)
effective at increasing levels of self-esteem and at reducing levels of depression and anxiety
(Morton). Evidence in this article says, Self-esteem has been reported to be associated with
desire for control, hope, achievement motivation, loneliness (negatively), self-determination,

Zendzian 3
anxiety (negatively), positive affect, need for approval, depression (negatively), and aggression
(negatively) (Tesser 214). This article stresses, Self-esteem is an important factor in the
development and maintenance of good psychological health. Low self-esteem can be a
consequence of mental health disorders (such as depression, anxiety, and panic) or it can be a
vulnerability factor for the development of such problems (Morton).
The emotion confidence is a positive emotion that is greatly affected by self-esteem and
in turn causes one to have a healthy, positive mental health. People who have confidence go far
in the world because if they believe in themselves, they will be able to accomplish anything.
There are many teens in todays society that lack confidence because people let them down, so if
you ever see someone suffering from low self-esteem, tell them how beautiful they truly are.
Something as simple as that can make a huge difference.

Zendzian 4
Works Cited
Tesser, Abraham. "Self-Esteem." Ed. Alan E. Kazdin. Vol. 7. Oxford Uni., 2000. 213-15. Print.
McFarland, Rhoda. "What Is Self-Esteem?" Coping Through Self-Esteem. New York: Rosen,
1988. 9. Print.
Elizabeth, Schafer D. "Hope and Mental Health." Salem Press. Web. 19 Mar. 2012.
Vogel, Victoria. Teen Mental Health. Voice of Youth Advocates Feb. 2012: 623. General
OneFile. Web. 19 Mar. 2012
Words-worth: Confidence. Management Today. 1 Feb. 2012: 12. General OneFile. Web. 19
Mar. 2012.
Hutchington, Gayle E., Mercier, Rita. Using Social Psychological Concepts to Help Students.
Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance. (2004): 22. eLibrary. Web. 19 Mar.
2012.
Bogovic, Anamerija, et al. Self-concept in overweight adolescents. South African Journal of
Psychiatry. 18.1 (2012): 27+. Health Reference Center Academic. Web. 20 Mar. 2012.
L., Morton. "Mental Health; Studies from L. Morton and Colleagues Yield New Information
about Mental Health." eLibrary. Obesity, Fitness, & Wellness Week, 17 Mar. 2012.
Web. 19 Mar. 2012.