Formative
The younger years in a child’s life are critical for producing positive self-esteem and may be influenced by personality, parenting techniques and role modelling. Coaches, physical education teachers and active living leaders can positively influence self-esteem and provide girls and women with ongoing incentive to participate and personally succeed in physical activity endeavours.
Degree, worth and competence
Self esteem is defined by the degree, worth and competence that we attribute to ourselves. Through sport, we may enhance our self esteem by having a positive image of our bodies and the physical skills and abilities that we develop. We feel positive self worth through the recognition that we receive from family and friends and the social relationships that develop as a result of our involvement in sport and physical activity.
Yet, we may be vulnerable to low self esteem in sport and physical activity if we perceive our body to be inadequate, unfit or inappropriate for our selected activity. We may feel that our self-worth is judged on our losses and wins versus our abilities and intentions.
Refocus to rebuild
The intensive participation in sport may lead to social isolation and lack of family support. All of these negative emotions need to be refocused in order to build positive self-esteem. Coaches, physical education teachers and active living leaders can positively influence self-esteem and provide girls and women with ongoing incentive to participate and personally succeed in physical activity endeavours.
Activity