Influences and Importance of Self-Awareness, Self-Evaluation and Self-Esteem

"Self-esteem forms a critical component of mental health, as an absence of self-esteem is associated with mental disorders like depression and even suicidal ideation. As such, understanding the nature and meaning of self-esteem and related phenomena like self-perception is essential for treatment of a variety of mental illnesses. Chapter One utilizes terror management theory to explain what self-esteem is, how the need for self-esteem develops, how people attain and maintain self-esteem, and why self-esteem is so important for psychological well-being. Chapter Two demonstrates how self-esteem is the fundamental mental attitude that provides the qualities necessary to perform democracy and reject authoritarian threats. Chapter Three deals with the definition of self-awareness, the description of the neural substrates that have been associated with it, and the examination of an interpretive neuroanatomical model of the phenomenon, with a focus on neurological and neuropsychological diseases. Chapter Four advocates a culture of self-evaluation as part of academic and professional culture through critical reflection on teaching and the results of one's own work. Chapter Five analyzes self-concept as a predictor of the academic self-efficacy perceived by adolescents. Lastly, Chapter Six studies the relationship between testosterone levels and self-esteem in school-age boys and girls"-- Provided by publisher Contents Preface Chapter 1 Understanding What Self-Esteem Is and Why It Matters: A Terror Management Perspective Introduction Socialization: The Emergence of Self-Esteem Self-Esteem: The Basis for Transcending Death Empirical Evidence for the Terror Management Function of Self-Esteem The Mortality Salience Hypothesis The Anxiety-Buffer Hypothesis The Death-Thought Accessibility Hypothesis Anxiety Buffer Disruption Self-Esteem and Immortality Conclusion References Chapter 2 Self-Esteem as a Mindset for Strengthening the Democratic Way of Thinking Abstract 1. Introduction 2. The Notion of Democracy on the Agenda 2.1. Defining the Field 2.2. Inferences from the Principle “One Person, One Vote” 2.3. Equality and Different Levels of Commitment 2.4. The Intensification of the Political Involvement 3. An Articulated Notion of Self-Esteem 3.1. The Contents of the Concept 3.2. Self-Esteem between Feeling and Reason 3.3. The Difference between Self-Respect and Self-Esteem 3.4. Authenticity Underpinning Self-Esteem 3.5. Self-Esteem Integrated in the World 3.6. Self-Esteem as a Cognitive and Moral Issue 3.7. Self-Esteem and Responsibility 4. Self-Esteem as Preventing Democracy-Damaging Attitudes 4.1. Self-Esteem Opposing Narcissism 4.2. Self-Esteem Opposing Opportunism 4.3. Self-Esteem as a Counteracting Form of Political Dependency 5. Self-Esteem as a Factor Enhancing Democracy 5.1. Positive Effects on the Democratic Process 5.2. Commitment for the Safeguard of Democracy 5.3. Democracy as a Support for Self-Esteem Conclusion References Biographical Sketch Chapter 3 What Is Reduced Self-Awareness? An Overview of Interpretative Models, Bioethical Issues and Neuroimaging Findings Abstract Introduction Loss of Insight, Anosognosia and Self-Awareness: It Is Not Just a Question of Terms Neuroimaging Findings: What Are the Neural Underpinnings of Awareness of Illness? An Interpretive Neuro-Anatomical Model of Self-Awareness Characteristics of Reduced Self-Awareness in Different Clinical Groups Evaluation Methods Ethical and Legal Implications Conclusion References Chapter 4 Self-Evaluation in Higher Education: Students’ Reflections in Building Professional Identity and Teaching Quality Abstract Introduction Analytical Framework Method Results and Discussion Conclusion References Chapter 5 Self-Concept as a Predictor of Perceived Academic Self-Efficacy in Adolescents Abstract Introduction Method Participants Instruments Procedure Data Analysis Results Discussion and Conclusion References Chapter 6 Influence of Testosterone on School-Age Children’s Self-Esteem Abstract Introduction Objective Methods Results Conclusion Introduction Method Participants Measuring Self-Esteem Measuring Testosterone Levels Procedure Statistical Analysis Results Descriptives and Sex Differences Correlation Analysis Regression Analysis Conclusion Limitations and Future Directions References Index Blank Page