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The Factors Of Psychology Affecting The Self Esteem Of Different People

I. Self esteem of overweight people

a) Looking–glass self:
The looking glass self concept refers to how we are shaped by what others perceive us as.   Non-overweight people will be satisfied with their lives since others perception of them will be positive.   However, people who are noticeably overweight will not be as satisfied as non-overweight people since what others perception of them will be negative.   If others perceive overweight people to be outcasts, then that is what overweight people will feel as since they will not be socially accepted in front of the world.   Therefore, overweight people will develop a low self-esteem since they will be criticized for their appearance and overall composure. There fore, it is the truth that, “some overweight people do experience difficulties in terms of self-esteem” (El Harvey and AJ Hill). That is why overweight non-overweight people respond differently towards the environment since they, “may use their body self-image as a reference point for rating their own behavior” (Lechner, Bolman, Van Dijke).  

b) Upward social comparison:
Upward social comparison can create positive or negative reactions.   Overweight people who are jealous of those more physically active than them will have a low self-esteem because they will want to achieve what normal weight people have achieved.   “Perhaps the tendency to compare oneself to others possessing the thin ideal is the main source for the negative effects produced by the exposure to thin ideal media” (Gayle R. Bessenoff).   Overweight people who are motivated by those that are more physically active than them will have a high self esteem because they will be encouraged to do better and live a better live like the normal weight people.   “However, upward comparisons may also serve to enhance the selves by eliciting behaviors to improve oneself” (Higgins).   Both reactions create comparisons with the “superior” as the media calls it and creates a sense of different social levels...