Post by Susan Peabody on Feb 21, 2009 13:29:48 GMT -8
There isn’t always a direct relationship between the degree of neglect or abuse and level of self-esteem. Usually, the more children are neglected or abused, the less self-esteem they have. However, this isn’t the only factor to consider when trying to determine the impact of neglect and abuse on self-esteem. The level of sensitivity children are born with and any insulation they might have had while growing up also impact their self-esteem.
Once a child has low self-esteem, this mind-set begins to feed on itself. Due to poor self-image, such children are incapable of compensating for neglect and abuse by loving themselves. They are also unable to accept the small of doses of love their parents do provide, or the love of other people they may meet as they are growing up. This triggers more shame and low self-esteem, in turn producing other painful emotions and conditions.
