Abstract
Self-esteem has been defined as “the evaluation which an individual makes and customarily maintains with regard to himself [or herself]; it expresses an attitude of approval or disapproval” (Rosenberg, 1965, p. 5). At what age, however, do young children first begin to express coherent evaluations of their own worth and abilities consistent with this definition? Related to this concern, what factors constitute important influences on the development of self-esteem during early childhood (i.e., approximately ages 3–7)? Do young children who exhibit high levels of self-esteem, in turn, demonstrate healthier overall adjustment and less susceptibility to disorder? Informed by an understanding of answers to these questions, what results can be anticipated for interventions that seek to promote self-esteem during early childhood? Furthermore,what types of programs appear to be most effective and how might these be modified and strengthened in the future?
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DuBois, D.L. (2003). Self-Esteem, Early Childhood. In: Gullotta, T.P., et al. Encyclopedia of Primary Prevention and Health Promotion. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0195-4_136
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0195-4_136
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