The self-esteem is characterised by a positive representation of oneself which is translated, according to partners in different versions: “to love one self”, “to like oneself”, “the self-respect”.
The self-concept is a multi-dimensional construct that refers to an individual's perception of "self" in relation to any number of characteristics, such as academics (and non-academics), gender roles and sexuality, racial identity, and many others. When the self-concept and self-esteem are defective, there is risk of failure and of relational difficulties with the others, and even risks for oneself (“I do not exist any more”). The self-concept and self-esteem are closely interdependent and are to be jointly worked for a blooming of the individual and social success.
B. Working methodology
Good example of educators to create an effect of reference for young people.
Value young people successes and accept them as they are.
Aspects that constitute self-esteem and self-confidence are the behavioural and clothing representation, politeness and cleanliness/hygiene.
Find out what students can do; to make sure he/she will be successful. Offer him/her an individual program and match him/her with a business where he/she feels safe. In this way his self-confidence will grow.
Involve young people in the preparation and activities for other people (for example the visits of partners in the European projects) in order to support their self-confidence.
C. Difficulties and results
Teachers and professionals need and specific training, as well as a constant adaptation of activities due to interpersonal differences.
Constantly adaptation of the activities due to the interpersonal differences, different school -background, culture, religion and language and life among pupils.
It is necessary to balance the work on social skills, self -esteem and self-concept to the focus needed on tests, exams and subject evaluations.
Young people have a distorted image of themselves. The aggressiveness expressed in the relation is a testimony of lack of and self-esteem.
Cleanliness/hygiene is a subject difficult to approach with some young people, and remains a real problem to work around of social skills.