Differences between self-esteem: of oneself, perceived from the others, aimed at the others

Abstract

The child self-esteem is developed, to a large extent, at the school. The perceptions and images of himself which increase the sense of identity and have repercussions on the selfesteem get influenced by the popularity among schoolmates, and the achievements and failures in academic, sportive and social life. During the period from 10 to 12 years old the individualization process gets intensified, and so does the process of identification with other relevant people (parents, professors, schoolmates and friends) because of the help they can provide.
In this research, starting from a hierarchical and quantified selection of personal and inter-personal values done by students from the Third Cycle of Primary Education, we analyse the significant differences between the relationships that exists among: the selfesteem perceived by oneself and the perception of the student of the esteem which he receives from the others, as well as the esteem that such a student has of the others. The results obtained show the students’ need for help and tutored guidance.