How Genes Influence Your Self-Esteem
About Self-Esteem
The term "self-Esteem" is used to describe a person's subjective sense of self-worth or value. It is the opinion you have about yourself or how much you like and appreciate yourself. This is integral to a person's identity.
Self-Esteem is often referred to as self-worth, self-regard, or self-respect also. It includes all the beliefs about yourself, like the appreciation of how you look and feel, your behavior, and how you feel about specific attributes or abilities that you have.
The right level of self-esteem is needed. Too much or too low self-esteem can be harmful. A high level of self-esteem, taking into account a realistic point of view, is considered to be ideal.
Importance of Self-Esteem
Self-Esteem is important for self-motivation and achieving success. Studies show that high, realistic self-esteem is important for?maintaining good mental health. It is also crucial for the development of a child. Children need to be treated with kindness, love, and respect from an early age to develop positive self-esteem. The experiences that a child faces during their growing years are vital to shaping their self-esteem levels.
Employees who have a better sense of self-worth are found to?focus better, require less time off, and also get along better with their team members.
Genetics and Self-Esteem
People of certain genetic types have a higher likelihood of having better self-esteem and may exhibit characteristics such as being appreciative, encouraging, positive, accepting of other people, speaking up, helpful and focused on solutions rather than problems.
The?OXTR?Gene
The?OXTR?gene?carries instructions for the production of the oxytocin receptor protein. This protein acts as a receptor to oxytocin and binds to it. Oxytocin is a hormone, neurotransmitter, and chemical messenger that transmit signals between neurons. This hormone plays a role in female reproductive functions. It also impacts social functions and emotions such as self-esteem, bonding behavior, empathy, trust, and optimism.
rs53576
rs53576 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or an SNP in the?OXTR?gene.?Individuals with the GG genotype were found to have higher self-esteem and be more empathetic and optimistic.?Carriers of the A allele were found to have a risk for negative mood states.
Non-Genetic Factors That Influence Self-Esteem
Gender
Family environment
Children who grow up without basic needs or in the presence of psychologically troubled adults are at a higher risk of developing self-esteem problems.
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Discrimination
Discrimination based on age, sex, disability, or?race?has negative effects on self-esteem.
Other conditions
Children with physical disabilities or other challenges may struggle more with self-esteem issues compared to others.
The kind of people you interact with, your job, and the comments or thoughts you hear from people around you have an impact on self-esteem.
Self-Esteem Check: What Happens When It Is Too High Or Too Low?
Too much self-esteem can lead to a strain in personal relationships, and the person may lack empathy and not understand what problems the other person is going through. Too little self-esteem affects mental health. Mental health may deteriorate, and the person may feel depressed and make bad choices.
People with healthy levels of self-esteem will take better care of themselves and make decisions that will enhance them rather than break them. They tend to have a positive outlook on life and feel confident.
Effects Of Low Self-Esteem
It is okay to have low self-esteem from time to time. That's a part of life. Prolonged periods of low self-esteem can pose a problem and may lead to
People with low self-esteem struggle with expressing their thoughts, lack confidence, have a negative outlook on life, and tend to put others' needs before their own. They usually have a negative outlook on life and are scared of failure.
Recommendations To Improve Your Self-Esteem
Healthy levels of self-esteem are necessary to maintain mental health, boost self-confidence, and have a good, quality life. There are ways by which you can address self-esteem issues and boost self-esteem.
Summary
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