How is self-esteem primarily developed according to the concept discussed?

Self-esteem is primarily developed through social comparisons and reflected appraisals because these processes significantly influence how individuals view themselves in relation to others. Social comparison entails evaluating oneself against peers or societal standards, which can either enhance or diminish self-esteem based on perceived differences or similarities. For instance, when individuals compare themselves to others they perceive as more successful, it may lower their self-esteem, while comparisons to those they view as less successful can boost their self-image.

Reflected appraisals refer to how we believe others perceive us, which is often influenced by feedback received from family, friends, and society at large. This feedback acts as a mirror through which we see ourselves, helping to shape our self-concept and self-worth. The interplay of these two processes—comparing ourselves with others and interpreting how others view us—forms the bedrock of our self-esteem.

In contrast, personal achievement, external validation, and personal introspection can all contribute to self-esteem, but they do not primarily shape it the way social comparisons and reflected appraisals do. Personal achievements may enhance self-esteem but often depend on the context of comparisons. External validation may temporarily boost self-esteem but is less sustainable without a foundation of self-acceptance. Personal introspection can lead