Yes, people with high self-esteem tend to be less influenced by the opinions and behaviors of others compared to those with low self-esteem. They rely more on their own internal compass and are less likely to seek external validation.
The basis of self-esteem may be more related to others' opinions. Brain imaging reveals that lower self-esteem is linked to brain patterns more attuned to external opinions. If you have low self-esteem, it might be time to reflect on how much it is influenced by others' perceptions.
Insecurity and Low Self-Esteem: Criticism of others may act as a defense mechanism. By pointing out flaws in others, they may feel a temporary boost in self-worth, masking their insecurities. Perfectionism: Some individuals hold themselves and others to unattainably high standards.
Instead, a voluminous body of research has shown that high self-esteem helps individuals adapt to and succeed in a variety of life domains, including having more satisfying relationships, performing better at school and work, enjoying improved mental and physical health, and refraining from antisocial behavior.
People (and even kids) with strong self-esteem tend to have a more positive outlook on life, handle stress better, and enjoy healthier relationships. They are also less likely to struggle with anxiety or depression and more likely to take on new challenges with confidence. High self-esteem also impacts decision-making.
They see the world in realistic terms, accepting other people the way they are, while pushing themselves to change in a more positive and confident direction. They can easily concentrate on solving problems in their lives. Their relationships are loving and respectful.
Narcissism (Or the more medically correct Narcissistic Personality Disorder) is defined as having unreasonably high level of self-importance. Not self-esteem, self-importance. Narcissists think they're literally the most important thing in this universe and should be treated as such.
10 Things People with High Self-Esteem Do
The 3 C's of Self-Esteem generally refer to Competence, Confidence, and Connection, representing key pillars for building strong self-worth by feeling capable, trusting yourself, and relating well to others. These elements work together in a cycle: developing skills builds competence, which fuels confidence, and positive connections reinforce your sense of self, creating a loop for growth and resilience.
Studies have shown that self-esteem reaches a peak in one's 50s or 60s, and then sharply drops in old age (4–7).
Narcissistic vulnerability is characterized by a fragile self-image and low self-esteem reliant on external validation. It involves heightened sensitivity to threats to self-concept, leading to anxiety, helplessness, persistent negative emotions, distrust of others, and social withdrawal.
People with avoidant personality disorder are very sensitive to anything critical, disapproving, or mocking because they constantly think about being criticized or rejected by others. They are vigilant for any sign of a negative response to them.
Low self-esteem is caused by a mix of negative life experiences, especially in childhood (like criticism, abuse, or neglect), ongoing stress (financial, relationship issues), mental health struggles (depression, anxiety), trauma, bullying, discrimination, and even unrealistic societal or personal expectations, leading to beliefs of being inadequate or worthless. It often stems from messages received from significant people, poor performance, or a lack of belonging, shaping a negative view of oneself that persists into adulthood.
Seeing Self-Esteem as a Trait
It is a relatively enduring aspect of a person's personality and can influence how they feel, think, and behave across various situations. People with high self-esteem tend to have positive beliefs about themselves, their abilities, and worth.
When we are too worried about what other people think or we fear being judged, it influences our own behaviour to a point where we are unable to be ourselves. We feel uncomfortable and unsure about our own actions which leads us to inaction or behaving in a way that doesn't feel authentic.
Social influence is the process by which an individual's attitudes, beliefs or behaviour are modified by the presence or action of others. Four areas of social influence are conformity, compliance and obedience, and minority influence.
The six pillars of self-esteem are:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for low self-esteem helps you understand and change the patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior that keep self-doubt alive.
Measuring overconfidence necessitates a comparison between beliefs and reality. We then consider each of the three types of overconfidence in turn: overestimation, overplacement, and overprecision.
Signs of healthy self-esteem:
Assertive in expressing needs and opinions. Confident in ability to make decisions. Able to form secure and honest relationships, and discontinue unhealthy ones.
The seven pillars of self-esteem are not abstract ideals but lived practices. They invite us to return, again and again, to awareness, acceptance, responsibility, assertiveness, purpose, integrity, and courage.
Exercises to Enhance Your Self-Esteem
Narcissistic traits often peak in late adolescence and early adulthood (around ages 14-23), particularly with grandiosity and entitlement, as individuals seek identity and status, but then tend to decline as people mature and face life's realities, though some individuals with NPD may see intensification in these years before a potential mellowing in middle age.
Based on some overlapping symptoms, borderline personality disorder (BPD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are two mental health disorders that are often mistaken for one another.
The number one trait of a narcissist is often considered a grandiose sense of self-importance (grandiosity) combined with a profound lack of empathy, where they see others as tools for their own gain and have an inflated, often unrealistic, view of their own superiority, needing constant admiration without acknowledging others' feelings or needs, as highlighted by HelpGuide.org and The Hart Centre. This core creates other behaviors like entitlement, manipulation, and arrogance, making them believe they deserve special treatment.