Low self-esteem in adolescents can be caused by poor self-image, rejection, criticism, bullying, difficulty in school or sports, and hormonal changes. Poor self-image is the most common cause, with concerns about weight and appearance being major factors. External factors such as rejection and abuse can also contribute, as can the inability to meet personal expectations. Hormonal changes during adolescence can also affect self-esteem.
There are many factors that can contribute to low self-esteem in adolescents. Among these are poor self-image, such as feeling inadequate because one is overweight or has acne, although a teenager can also develop poor self-image in the absence of such problems. Rejection, criticism, bullying, or abuse from peers, parents, and adults in authority also commonly contribute to low self-esteem. Sometimes difficulty performing well in school or in sports also adds to the problem. Additionally, changes in hormones may prove to be a contributing factor to self-esteem issues.
One of the most common causes of low self-esteem in adolescents is poor self-image. Many teens worry about weighing too much, although some teens also criticize themselves for being too short, too tall, and sometimes even too thin. Some teens may also feel that they’re not a match for others when it comes to things like hair texture or body proportions. In many cases, acne can also cause low self-esteem. It is important to note, however, that many teenagers feel that they fall short in terms of looks, even when others find them very attractive and do not notice significant flaws.
Sometimes external factors play a role when it comes to low self-esteem in adolescents. For example, a teenager may feel rejected by their peers and, in some cases, may even feel that their parents and family members reject them as well. Bullying and teasing can also lead to these problems. Even criticism, when given too often or in an unconstructive way, can damage a teenager’s self-esteem. Furthermore, any kind of abuse, verbal or physical, can damage a teenager’s self-image.
In many cases, a teenager sets expectations and their inability to live up to them leads to low self-esteem. For example, if a teenager feels that she should do well academically, but she does poorly, it could hurt how she sees herself. This also applies to other activities that a teenager deems important. For example, if she thinks she should be mechanically skilled or excel at sports but fails to do so, her self-esteem may suffer. This lawsuit may prove even more significant if the teen’s family members also express disappointment in her abilities.
Interestingly, hormones can also have an effect on a teenager’s self-esteem. The hormonal changes that often occur during adolescence can cause a person to feel insecure or depressed. At the very least, they may contribute to self-esteem issues that are already developing.
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