Methodology for diagnosing self-esteem Dembo-Rubinstein. Modification A.M. Parishioners

When we talk about personality self-esteem, the question arises about ways to identify its real level. Does it really make sense to talk about increasing self-esteem if a person’s level of self-esteem is already unrealistically high?

I think there are no 100% methods, but attempts have been made to create them.

I would like to cite one of the most famous. This is the Dembo-Rubinstein method for studying self-esteem.

Tamara Dembo (1902-1993; born in Baku, Russia; worked in Germany, then in the USA) - a well-known researcher in the field of psychology, at one time proposed the use of this technique. Susanna Yakovlevna Rubinstein (1911 - 1990) - Soviet psychologist, modified the Dembo method.

What is a person's self-esteem?

We often hear such a concept as “self-esteem”. It is used not only by professional psychologists, teachers or doctors; we can also hear about this personal characteristic in everyday communication. What is it? Self-esteem refers to a person’s ideas about his own importance and value to others, and it is also an assessment of one’s shortcomings and positive qualities, emotions, and feelings by the person himself.

Gorbatov test

Low self-esteem of a woman or man requires treatment. They try to increase confidence through training and sessions with a psychologist.

Violations can be recognized using the Gorbatov test. It is based on ideas about personality traits. These qualities are taken into account during education.

A task consisting of several stages will help you understand your own ideas about the ideal:

1. The sheet is divided into 4 parts and each is signed with Roman numerals. The subject receives 4 sets of positive character traits and in each set he must highlight the most valuable and significant ones. They are written out in a column along with the number. In this way, all qualities are processed.
2. At the second stage, they carefully consider the written qualities and find those that they possess in reality. They are circled.

After this, the result is calculated: the real qualities are divided by the number of ideal ones and multiplied by 100%. If the result is 0-10 points for men and 0-15 for women, then self-esteem is inadequately low. The higher the result, the less self-doubt.

More than 9,000 people have gotten rid of their psychological problems using this technique.

When does it start to form?

Self-esteem cannot be formed without the presence of another personal property - self-awareness. It occurs in childhood, up to approximately 3 years of age, when the child realizes his autonomy from his mother, identifies himself with a certain gender and begins to express himself as an individual (the so-called “seven-star crisis” of this age). As a child grows up, he has the opportunity to evaluate himself at an elementary level and analyze the attitude of others towards him. At this age, we can talk about the beginnings of self-esteem, since it is formed over a long period of time and remains dynamic throughout life.

How self-esteem is formed

Every person has a tendency to compare himself to a certain ideal image. This is exactly how he would like to see himself. And here it is very important that what is desired coincides with the real idea of ​​oneself. If very large differences are observed, an underestimation of oneself develops.

attitude of others towards an individual , especially close people: parents, friends, relatives, has a great influence on the formation of an opinion about oneself

It is also important to have real achievements in any field of activity. This greatly improves self-esteem.

Types of self-esteem

Experts distinguish several types of self-esteem that can be studied using psychological tools (for example, the Budassi method for studying self-concept, or the Dembo-Rubinstein method). Self-esteem consists of a person’s ideas about himself, real and ideal.

There are different relationships between these two personality structures (“Real Self”, “Ideal Self”). Depending on the quality of this relationship, a person’s self-esteem changes.

• An individual’s underestimation of himself is a big difference between the idea of ​​who I really am and what I should ideally be. The self-doubt that develops in this case comes through in all human activities.
• Adequate self-esteem is a normal relationship between the “real self” and the “ideal self.” The person behaves appropriately to the situation.
• Overestimated - there is practically no difference between the two above-mentioned personality structures. A person is inclined to consider himself, if not an ideal, then very close to it.

Self-esteem

Adequate self-esteem is expressed by the number of points scored from 45 to 74. If the result is higher, it is overestimated, which indicates a deviation in the formation of personality. This may confirm insensitivity to one’s own mistakes, to the assessment of others, and the inability to correctly assess the result of one’s activities.

If the subject scores less than 45 points, he underestimates himself . People with low self-esteem constitute a “risk group”. At the same time, they are divided into two different personality types. In the first case this is genuine self-doubt, in the second it is “defensive”. A person, declaring to himself his inability and lack of abilities, “protects” himself and allows himself not to take any action.

Relationships between self-esteem parameters

The "x" symbols are between the (-) and (o) symbols. The distance between “x” and “o” indicates the interval of the unattainable, but desirable. Analysis of this indicator gives an idea of ​​the optimism of the subject. The longer the interval, the more optimistic he is.

The circles should be below the top pole. If a person puts a mark on the pole, he has an immature attitude towards values. Too much self-esteem is a sign of unrealism.

If the scores on different scales are very different, this indicates emotional instability.

The level of a person’s dreams is symbolized by ideal self-esteem - “o”. People have an inherent need to dream, but when a dream comes true, a new one appears . In order to come true, a dream must become a goal. The symbol “x” indicates the level of real prospects and goals. As it is achieved, the place of the dream that has turned into a goal is taken by another dream and, as before, “o” is higher than “x”.

Dembo-Rubinstein technique - self-esteem study, description

It is very important for an individual to have adequate self-esteem, because otherwise problems arise in communication, professional activities, family ties, and so on.
It is necessary to pay timely attention to the self-esteem of the individual in order to avoid mistakes in his social adaptation. The Dembo-Rubinstein technique allows you to determine what kind of self-esteem a person has. This occurs with the help of the subject’s marks on certain scales. The person is given a method form in which instructions and the main task are written. To determine the level of self-esteem, the non-classical Dembo-Rubinstein technique is used.

The Parishioners' modification of this technique has been used recently in various educational institutions and in production. The modified method of A.M. Prikhozhan contains 7 scales (in contrast to the original 4). The author of the modification added scales such as “the ability to do something with your own hands,” “appearance,” “peer recognition,” and also changed the “happiness” scale to “self-confidence.”

Sonerson test

This method of identifying low self-esteem was proposed by psychologist Marilyn Sonerson.

More than 9,000 people have gotten rid of their psychological problems using this technique.

You can take the test online; the higher the score, the lower your self-esteem:

• 0-7 points indicate an ideal state, independence and autonomy;
• 8-15 points indicate average self-esteem. In this case, a person sometimes worries about his appearance and the opinions of others;
• 16-25 – low self-esteem;
• 26-50 points signal excessively low self-esteem, which causes mental and physical discomfort.

The Sonerson test will help you identify problems with self-confidence and find out at what stage you need the help of a psychologist.

Instructions for conducting the study

A person can understand what needs to be done in a test by reading the instructions. It says that everyone has the opportunity to evaluate their abilities, character traits, capabilities, and so on. Your assessment can be expressed on a segment, at one end of which the low points begin, and at the other end - the maximum 10 points. It is necessary to mark on each scale with a dash “-” the level at which the development of this quality or property is now. Then you need to mark on these scales with a cross “x” the level at which the person being tested can feel self-satisfaction or pride.

Ponomarenko test

Diagnosis of personal problems is carried out using a special form. It shows character traits, a total of 15 positive and the same number of opposite ones.

If you don’t want to give up and are ready to really, and not in words, fight for your full and happy life, you may be interested in this article .

In the middle of the form there are columns numbered from 1 to 7; the choice must be made depending on how pronounced the pair of qualities is:

1. The column with number 1 says that the person does not have a drop of anger.
2. The seventh column shows a person who is 100% evil.
3. The fourth is chosen by people with an average position of kindness and anger.
4. The third says that the subject is more kind than evil, and the second says the opposite.

The closer the column is to the right or left side of the properties, the more pronounced they are.

Testing consists of several stages:

1. First, select the column number, indicating it with a cross.
2. Return to the first pair of characteristics and indicate the desired properties with a circle.
3. Finally, the results are processed. In each pair, the position of the real state and the desired state is considered.

At the final stage, the difference in the positions of all 15 digits is summed up and the results are compared with the key.

If a problem is discovered, the person considers himself worthless, insignificant, and often speaks self-deprecatingly. It is also difficult for him to accept compliments, refuse another person, and defend his opinion. This condition is inherent in asthenics.

The reasons for low self-esteem are hidden in childhood, when the child is scolded for the slightest offense, reacts to him aggressively and irritably, and is not supported. A problem can also arise in an adult due to unpleasant events in life, for example, dismissal from work or financial insolvency.

The type of temperament also influences your attitude towards yourself. Sanguine and phlegmatic people usually have a stable psychological state, while for choleric people it constantly fluctuates. Melancholic people always have low self-esteem. Therefore, they need to develop confidence.

Scales in the test

The modified Dembo-Rubinstein technique includes the following scales:

• health;
• human abilities and intelligence;
• his character;
• whether he enjoys authority among his peers;
• the ability to do something independently, with your own hands;
• self confidence;
• a person's appearance.

  

The technique is suitable for individual and frontal research. When working with a group, it is necessary to check everyone’s progress on the first training scale – “health”. A modification of the Dembo-Rubinstein technique involves spending 10 to 12 minutes on the test task.

Leary test

The method allows you to explore a person’s idea of ​​his own personality. Each of them needs to be assessed as follows: if the definition corresponds to ideas about oneself, a plus is placed opposite it, and if not, a minus. You must answer questions sincerely.

Upon completion, points are calculated using the key to the questionnaire (the difference between ideas about a person and the desired image is important). The maximum result is 16 points.

Types of personal characteristics identified during testing:

1. Authoritarian. If a person scores from 13 to 16 points, then he is distinguished by authority, increased despoticism, and is a leader in all types of activities. They love to teach others and do not take advice from others. From 9 to 12 points are scored by energetic, competent people who demand respect for themselves. 0-8 points indicate a self-confident person, but he will not necessarily be a leader.
2. Selfish. 13-16 shows the desire to be above others, prudence and independence. Such a person likes to shift responsibility to others and is boastful and arrogant. From 0 to 12 for people with egoistic traits and a tendency to compete.
3. Aggressive. 13-16 points indicate a person’s harshness and hostility towards others. This often leads to antisocial behavior. 9-12 means that a person is frank and strictly evaluates others, often mocks and criticizes. 0-8 points indicate stubbornness, perseverance, perseverance and energy.
4. Suspicious. 13-16 points are scored by individuals with a schizoid character type, who have an aloof attitude towards the world, doubt everything and are always dissatisfied. 9-12 points indicate difficulties in contacts with people due to uncertainty, fear of the bad attitude of others, secrecy and isolation. 0-8 speaks of being critical of yourself and the entire world around you.
5. Subordinate. 13-16 points are scored by people who are submissive and prone to low self-esteem. They always give in to others, and put themselves in last place, feel guilty for any reason, are passive and try to find support for themselves. 9-12 – the subject is shy and timid, has a predisposition to subordination, always follows the orders of others and does not have an opinion.
6. Dependent. 13-16 indicates self-doubt, anxiety, dependence on other people's opinions. 9-12 points are scored by obedient, fearful and helpless individuals who are unable to resist. 0-8 – a person is distinguished by his gentle character and gullibility, often admires others.
7. Friendly. 9-16 – the individual strives to gain social approval and be good to everyone. 0-8 – often compromises in conflict situations, follows all rules and conventions, wants to be the center of attention. Warm and friendly in his relationships with others.
8. Altruistic. Hyper-responsible people score 9-16 points. They always sacrifice their interests, impose help and are overly active. But this is only a mask that hides the opposite type. 0-8 points indicate selflessness and emotional attitude towards others. This is a kind person who always encourages and calms in a difficult situation.

The first four results are obtained by people who are accustomed to defending their opinions and occupying leading positions. The other four options paint the opposite picture.

Tests to determine self-esteem are also administered to adolescents. This period is considered the optimal phase for working with self-esteem. This is associated with the formation of a full-fledged self-awareness. Parents should provide the opportunity to talk openly about exciting topics and conduct dialogue on equal terms, supporting the teenager in solving problems.

At the age of 9-12 years, aggression and parental rejection, combined with low self-esteem, can lead to serious disturbances in personality formation.

At a young age, self-esteem is based on the opinions of others. It is installed without critical analysis. This influence is very significant.

Analysis of results

When processing and analyzing the results, the first scale is not taken into account, since this is not a personal characteristic. The length of each scale must be strictly equal to 100 mm, then each marked cross and line will have a quantitative characteristic (for example, 48 mm - 48 points).

The Dembo-Rubinstein technique allows you to identify not only the level of self-esteem, but also the level of personal aspirations. This indicator is determined by measuring the number of points from “0” to “x”. Accordingly, the level of self-esteem on a specific scale can be measured from “0” to “-“.

Next, you need to calculate the distance from “x” to “-“. If there is a situation in which the level of aspirations is lower than personal self-esteem, the scores are expressed in negative numbers. Then the points are calculated and self-esteem is determined. The Dembo-Rubinstein technique is easy to process, so it is very often used. But experts almost always use it in the modification of Parishioners.

Results and recommendations

Processing the results here will not take much time. The results of the test, based on the level of self-esteem, can be analyzed separately for each specific scale. Or as the arithmetic average of all indicators.

For example, if four scales were used for the study, then the total amount of points should be divided by four, if there are six scales, then the total amount should be divided by six, etc.

The health scale, as a rule, is not assessed; it is a testing scale.

Using it, the psychologist determines how correctly the test subject understood the principle of the test. But when checking myself, I found it necessary to analyze the health scale.

Keys for self-esteem level (dash)

• an increased level of assessment of a specific personality ranging from 50 points to 75, this indicator is realistic and adequate;
• your scores - from 75 to 100 - this is an overestimated indicator, it indicates moderate, but deviations in personality, slightly inflated claims, insensitivity to your mistakes;
• points up to 50 - very low self-esteem, along with it - problems with self-perception, confidence, perhaps you need specialist help and correction.

Keys to claims (crosses):

• final scores from 60 to 90 – aspirations at a realistic, achievable level;
• points from 90 to 100 – lack of criticality, inflated expectations and claims;
• points up to 60 – too low aspirations, possibly problems with personality development and self-confidence.

Decoding indicators

To determine the level of the two personality characteristics under study, the total score of the corresponding indicators of all scales (except the first) is calculated. The Dembo-Rubinstein technique helps a person understand as accurately as possible how he evaluates himself.

Indicators of the level of aspirations

1. Adequate - 75-89 points. A person assesses his capabilities realistically.
2. High - 90-100 points. Unrealistic attitude towards one's capabilities, lack of self-criticism.
3. Low - below 60 points. Low level of aspirations. A person cannot develop normally. He has no desire to achieve anything, since he is sure that this is a deliberately losing option.

Level of self-esteem

1. Adequate - 45-74 points. Realistic self-assessment based on the parameters specified in the methodology and other parameters.
2. Overestimated - 75-100 points. There are some problems in the formation of personal qualities. Perhaps an adult or child cannot correctly assess their work activity (its results) and communication. There is such a phenomenon as “closedness to experience”, that is, a person is insensitive to people’s comments, advice and assessments.
3. Underestimated - less than 45 points. A person has big problems in the formation of personal well-being, this is shown by the Dembo-Rubinstein method. Self-esteem that is too low can be the result of two psychological problems: a real lack of confidence in one’s own capabilities and a “defensive” lack of confidence. The second phenomenon is observed when a person imposes this “underestimation” on himself, so as not to strain himself in decisions and avoid responsibility.

Carrying out the test

Dembo Tamara Vulfovna

The technique is apparently very simple. A vertical line is drawn on a piece of paper, indicating one of the properties, for example, happiness. The top edge corresponds to the state where, in your opinion, the happiest person imaginable is, and the bottom corresponds to the state of the unhappiest person. That is, at the bottom there are negative values ​​that a person tries to avoid, and at the top, on the contrary, there are positive values ​​that a person strives for.

A person needs to mark the place on this line that, in his opinion, corresponds to his current level with a line (-). The level of quality development he would be satisfied with should be indicated by a circle (o). And with a cross (x) you need to indicate the place on the scale where you can end up, objectively assessing your capabilities.

Dembo-Rubinstein test sample

Rubinstein proposed 4 mandatory scales in the methodology: health, mental development, character and happiness. But you can add additional analyzed properties, for example, self-satisfaction and optimism.

For convenience, you need to draw as many lines on the form as the qualities you are testing (for example, 6), and the height of each line should be 100 mm for the convenience of subsequent measurements. Each millimeter of the scale will be counted as 1 point.

Each line should indicate the top and bottom points (prominent horizontal lines), as well as the middle of the scale (a small dot). A sample can be seen in the figure.

The test must be performed before reading the interpretation of the results. Otherwise, understanding the interpretation will affect test performance.

Purpose of the test

Study of personality self-esteem.

Option I

Test instructions

Each person has certain ideas about the ideal of the most valuable personality traits. People focus on these qualities in the process of self-education. What qualities do you value most in people? These ideas are not the same for different people, and therefore the results of self-education are not the same. What ideas about the ideal do you have? The following task, which is performed in two stages, will help you figure this out.

Stage 1

Divide a sheet of paper into four equal parts, label each part with Roman numerals I, II, III, IV.

Four sets of words are given that characterize the positive qualities of people. In each set of qualities, you must highlight those that are more significant and valuable to you personally, which you prefer over others. What qualities these are and how many there are – everyone decides for themselves.

Read the words of the first set of qualities carefully. Write down the qualities that are most valuable to you in a column along with their numbers on the left. Now proceed to the second set of qualities - and so on until the very end. As a result, you should end up with four sets of ideal qualities.

In order to create conditions for an equal understanding of the qualities by all participants in the psychological examination, we provide an interpretation of these qualities:

I. Interpersonal relationships, communication.

1. Politeness - observance of the rules of decency, courtesy.
2. Concern is a thought or action aimed at the well-being of people; care, care.
3. Sincerity is the expression of genuine feelings, truthfulness, frankness.
4. Collectivism is the ability to support common work, common interests, and a collective principle.
5. Responsiveness is the willingness to respond to the needs of others.
6. Cordiality is a cordial, affectionate attitude combined with hospitality, with a willingness to serve in some way.
7. Sympathy is a responsive, sympathetic attitude towards people’s experiences and misfortune.
8. Tactfulness is a sense of proportion that creates the ability to behave in society without hurting people’s dignity.
9. Tolerance is the ability to treat other people’s opinions, character, habits without hostility,
10. Sensitivity – responsiveness, empathy, the ability to easily understand people.
11. Benevolence is a desire for good to people, a willingness to contribute to their well-being.
12. Affability is the ability to express a feeling of personal affection.
13. Charm is the ability to charm and attract.
14. Sociability is the ability to easily enter into communication.
15. Commitment – ​​loyalty to one’s word, duty, promise.
16. Responsibility is a necessity, an obligation to be responsible for one’s actions and actions.
17. Frankness – openness, accessibility to people.
18. Justice is an objective assessment of people in accordance with the truth.
19. Compatibility is the ability to combine one’s efforts with the activities of others in solving common problems.
20. Demandingness - rigor, expectation from people to fulfill their responsibilities, duty.

II. Behavior

1. Activity is a manifestation of an interested attitude towards the world around us and oneself, towards the affairs of the team, energetic actions and actions.
2. Pride is a sense of self-worth.
3. Good nature - gentleness of character, disposition towards people.
4. Decency - honesty, inability to commit vile and antisocial acts.
5. Courage is the ability to make and implement your decisions without fear.
6. Firmness is the ability to insist on one’s own, not to give in to pressure, steadfastness, stability.
7. Confidence is faith in the correctness of actions, the absence of hesitation or doubt.
8. Honesty – directness, sincerity in relationships and actions.
9. Energy – determination, activity of actions and actions.
10. Enthusiasm - strong inspiration, elation.
11. Integrity is the honest performance of one's duties.
12. Initiative – the desire for new forms of activity.
13. Intelligence – high culture, education, erudition.
14. Perseverance is persistence in achieving goals.
15. Decisiveness – inflexibility, firmness in actions, the ability to quickly make decisions, overcoming internal hesitations.
16. Integrity is the ability to adhere to firm principles, beliefs, views on things and events.
17. Self-criticism is the desire to evaluate one’s behavior, the ability to reveal one’s mistakes and shortcomings.
18. Independence is the ability to carry out actions without the help of others, on one’s own.
19. Balance – even, calm character and behavior.
20. Determination is having a clear goal and the desire to achieve it.

III. Activity

1. Thoughtfulness is a deep penetration into the essence of the matter.
2. Efficiency - knowledge of the matter, enterprise, intelligence.
3. Mastery is a high art in any field.
4. Comprehension - the ability to understand the meaning, intelligence.
5. Speed ​​– swiftness of actions and actions, speed.
6. Composure - concentration, smartness.
7. Accuracy is the ability to act as specified, in accordance with the model.
8. Diligence is the love of work, socially useful activities that require effort.
9. Passion is the ability to devote yourself entirely to something.
10. Perseverance is diligence in something that requires a long time and patience.
11. Accuracy – maintaining order in everything, thoroughness of work, diligence.
12. Mindfulness is focusing on the activity at hand.
13. Foresight - insight, the ability to foresee consequences, predict the future.
14. Discipline is the habit of discipline, the consciousness of duty to society.
15. Diligence – diligence, good performance of tasks.
16. Curiosity is an inquisitive mind, a tendency to acquire new knowledge.
17. Resourcefulness is the ability to quickly find a way out of difficult situations.
18. Consistency - the ability to complete tasks, actions in a strict order, logically harmonious.
19. Efficiency is the ability to work hard and productively.
20. Scrupulousness - precision to the smallest detail, special care.

IV. Experiences, feelings

1. Cheerfulness is a feeling of fullness of strength, activity, energy.
2. Fearlessness - absence of fear, courage.
3. Cheerfulness is a carefree and joyful state.
4. Sincerity - sincere friendliness, disposition towards people.
5. Mercy is the willingness to help, to forgive out of compassion and philanthropy.
6. Tenderness is a manifestation of love, affection.
7. Love of freedom - love and desire for freedom and independence.
8. Cordiality – sincerity, sincerity in relationships.
9. Passion is the ability to give oneself completely to a hobby.
10. Shyness is the ability to experience a feeling of shame.
11. Excitement is a measure of experience, mental anxiety.
12. Enthusiasm is a great upsurge of feelings, delight, admiration.
13. Compassion is a tendency to feel pity and compassion.
14. Cheerfulness is a constant feeling of joy, absence of despondency.
15. Lovingness is the ability to love deeply and many.
16. Optimism is a cheerful attitude, belief in success.
17. Restraint is the ability to restrain oneself from expressing feelings.
18. Satisfaction is a feeling of pleasure from the fulfillment of desires.
19. Composure is the ability to remain calm and self-possessed.
20. Sensitivity – ease of experiencing experiences, feelings, increased susceptibility to external influences.

Stage II

Carefully consider the personality traits you wrote out from the first set, and find among them those that you actually . Circle the numbers next to them. Now move on to the second set of qualities, then to the third and fourth.

Processing test results

Count how many real qualities you have found in yourself ( P ).

Count the number of ideal qualities you wrote down ( I ; qualities written out in the first stage), and then calculate their percentage:

C = (R/I) * 100%.

Option 2

Test instructions

Carefully read the set of 20 personality traits: accuracy, kindness, cheerfulness, perseverance, intelligence, truthfulness, integrity, independence, modesty, sociability, pride, conscientiousness, indifference, laziness, arrogance, cowardice, greed, suspicion, selfishness, impudence.

In the “ ideal ” column, under number (rank) 1, write down the quality from the above that you value most in people, under number 2, the quality that you value a little less, etc., in descending order of importance. Under number 13, indicate the quality - shortcoming - from the above, which you could most easily forgive people (after all, as you know, there are no ideal people, everyone has shortcomings, but some you can forgive, and some you cannot ), at number 14 is the flaw that is more difficult to forgive, etc., at number 20 is the most disgusting, from your point of view, quality of people.

I column under (rank) 1, write down the quality from the above that is most developed for you personally (regardless of whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage), under number 2 - the quality that is slightly less developed for you, etc. etc. in descending order, under the last numbers - those qualities that are least developed or absent in you.

Sample form for the test

Processing test results

In column No. 3, the respondent must calculate the difference in rank numbers for each written quality. For example: such a property as “neatness” in the first column (Ideal) is ranked 1st, and in the second (I) – 7th; d will be equal to 1-7=-6; such a quality as “principledness” ranks 3rd in both the first and second columns. In this case, d will be equal to 3-3=0; such a quality as “indifference” in the first column is in rank 20, and in the second – in rank 2. In this case, d will be equal to 20-2=18, etc.

In column No. 4 you need to calculate d2 for each quality.

In column No. 5 the sum d2 , that is:

Σd2 = d12 + d22 + d32 + … + d202;

It is necessary to calculate the Spearman rank correlation coefficient:

R = 1 – 6Σd2/(n3 – n) , where

• n – number of pairs being compared

In the case of n=20, the formula takes the following form:

R = 1 – 0.00075Σd2

R values ​​will be in the range [-1; +1].

Interpretation of test results

Self-esteem can be optimal and suboptimal. With optimal, adequate self-esteem, the subject correctly correlates his capabilities and abilities, is quite critical of himself, strives to realistically look at his failures and successes, tries to set achievable goals that can be achieved in practice. He approaches the assessment of what has been achieved not only with his own standards, but also tries to anticipate how other people will react to it: workmates and loved ones. In other words, adequate self-esteem is the result of a constant search for a real measure, i.e. without too much overestimation, but also without being overly critical of your communication, behavior, activities, experiences. This self-assessment is best for specific conditions and situations.

Optimal self-esteem includes “high level” and “above average level” (a person deservedly values, respects himself, is satisfied with himself), as well as “average level” (a person respects himself, but knows his weaknesses and strives for self-improvement, self-development).

Self-esteem may be suboptimal - too high or too low.

Based on inadequately inflated self-esteem, a person develops an incorrect idea of ​​himself, an idealized image of his personality and capabilities, his value to others, to the common cause. In such cases, a person ignores failures in order to maintain the usual high assessment of himself, his actions and deeds. There is an acute emotional “repulsion” of everything that violates the self-image. The perception of reality is distorted, the attitude towards it becomes inadequate - purely emotional. The rational grain of the assessment falls out completely. Therefore, a fair remark begins to be perceived as nit-picking, and an objective assessment of work results as unfairly underestimated. Failure appears as a consequence of someone’s machinations or unfavorable circumstances, which in no way depend on the actions of the individual himself.

A person with high, inadequate self-esteem does not want to admit that all this is a consequence of his own mistakes, laziness, lack of knowledge, abilities or incorrect behavior. A severe emotional state arises - the affect of inadequacy, the main reason for which is the persistence of the existing stereotype of overestimating one’s personality. If high self-esteem is plastic, changes in accordance with the real state of affairs - increases with success and decreases with failure, then this can contribute to the development of the individual, since she has to make every effort to achieve her goals, develop her abilities and will.

Self-esteem may also be low , that is, lower than the real capabilities of the individual. This usually leads to self-doubt, timidity and lack of daring, and the inability to realize one’s abilities. Such people do not set difficult-to-achieve goals, limit themselves to solving ordinary problems, and are too critical of themselves.

Too high or too low self-esteem disrupts the process of self-government and distorts self-control. This is especially noticeable in communication, where people with high and low self-esteem cause conflicts. With inflated self-esteem, conflicts arise due to a dismissive attitude towards other people and disrespectful treatment of them, too harsh and unfounded statements addressed to them, intolerance to other people's opinions, manifestations of arrogance and conceit. Low self-criticism prevents them from even noticing how they insult others with arrogance and indisputable judgment.

With low self-esteem, conflicts can arise due to the excessive criticality of these people. They are very demanding of themselves and even more demanding of others, they do not forgive a single mistake or mistake, and they tend to constantly emphasize the shortcomings of others. And although this is done with the best intentions, it still becomes a cause of conflict due to the fact that few can tolerate systematic “sawing.” When they see only the bad in you and constantly point it out, then hostility arises towards the source of such assessments, thoughts and actions.

The affect of inadequacy arises as an attempt by people with high self-esteem to protect themselves from real circumstances and maintain their usual self-esteem. This leads to disruption of relationships with other people. Experiencing resentment and injustice allows you to feel good, remain at the proper level in your own eyes, and consider yourself injured or offended. This elevates a person in his own eyes and eliminates dissatisfaction with himself. The need for inflated self-esteem is satisfied and there is no need to change it, that is, to come to grips with management itself. Conflicts inevitably arise with people who have different ideas about a given individual, his abilities, capabilities and value to society. The affect of inadequacy is a psychological defense; it is a temporary measure, since it does not solve the main problem, namely, a fundamental change in suboptimal self-esteem, which is the cause of unfavorable interpersonal relationships.

These techniques allow us to solve several more research and practical problems. Here are some of them:

I. There are several forms of human activity: communication, behavior, activity, experiences. A person can also be considered as a subject of self-government. Since the simultaneous implementation of all these forms of activity is difficult, the individual shows interest in one or two areas of his life. Indeed, everyone has observed people who live “in the world of people,” “in a closed world,” “in the world of affairs,” and “in the world of feelings.” It would be natural to assume that when performing the technique, people choose more qualities in the area that interests them more. This allows you to find out in what area their interests and preferences lie. For this purpose, you need to calculate how many “ideal” qualities were written down for each of the four blocks and compare the resulting numbers with each other. The leading level will be the level of human activity where the most “ideal” and “real” qualities are collected, as well as their percentage.

II. You can get an idea of ​​the value guidelines of a group that differs from others in age, gender, profession; To do this, you need to calculate how many people chose this or that quality and with what rank of significance. If this number is converted into a percentage, then an interesting opportunity opens up to compare groups with each other in terms of preference for personality traits and the degree of importance of individual properties for it. Ranking these properties according to the number of people who chose this property shows what place it belongs in the holistic system of ideas about personality.

III. You can get an idea of ​​how each specific person differs from other people in terms of their value guidelines. To do this, you need to create an average “portrait” of the value orientations of the group to which you belong. Then we need a qualitative analysis of the qualities he has chosen and those personality traits that are most often found in the group as a whole. Thus, against the background of group preferences, it is possible to identify individual characteristics.

Sources

• Self-Esteem Test / Stolyarenko L.D. Fundamentals of psychology: Workshop. – Rostov n/d, 2003. P.479-480