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What Is the Connection between Self-Esteem and Communication?

Brandon May
Brandon May

Self-esteem and communication issues are often studied together in psychology, as correlations often complement each other in human emotions and behavior. Many psychologists believe that individuals who suffer from some type of insecurity or lack of self-esteem also suffer from poor communication abilities. It is believed that inadequate communication between child and adult, or between siblings, can lead to the inability to verbally communicate with strangers, make friends and become self-sufficient. Most therapists and communication counselors believe that self-esteem and communication abilities can be improved over time by using traditional therapy as well as medication in some severe cases.

Communication problems between individuals are often thought of as the source of self-esteem issues, and both are often connected when studying psychology and human behavior. Those who are raised in families that communicate emotions and express them in a healthy way are thought to be more self-confident and more independent in the everyday world. Most psychology researchers agree that these same individuals can maintain valuable relationships with friends, relatives and romantic interests due to their strong background in the art and science of communication. Individuals who live their lives in this way are often thought to have a better sense of self, better self-esteem and communication skills that are important in the workforce and in social situations.

People who can communicate their feelings and emotions, typically have higher self-esteem.
People who can communicate their feelings and emotions, typically have higher self-esteem.

Psychologists and psychiatrists who study self-esteem and communication problems often see individuals who are insecure and lack a proper way to communicate their emotions. It is believed that those who suffer from low self-esteem learn poor communication skills at a younger age through their environment and interactions with others. Without an adequate outlet for communication of problems or issues, it is believed that a human cannot completely release emotional burdens. This can lead to anxiety and stress, as well as a desire to withdraw from social interactions.

Talk therapy might be used to improve self-esteem and communication abilities.
Talk therapy might be used to improve self-esteem and communication abilities.

Many self-esteem and communication counselors regard traditional talk therapy as a beneficial way to release emotional burdens and provide an avenue for expression. It is important for individuals who participate in this type of therapy to slowly incorporate different social interactions into their lives. This can help with increasing self-awareness and self-confidence in unfamiliar settings and events. In severe anxiety and self-esteem cases, psychiatrists might prescribe certain meditations, but only after traditional methods of talk therapy and expression have failed.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

@SarahGen-- I'm not an expert on this topic but I think it goes both ways. Self esteem and communication are intertwined and affect one another. Those who need to improve one, should ideally try to work on point through various therapies an exercises. A psychologist can help determine the best way to tackle these issues.

SarahGen

Does lack of communication lead to low self esteem or does low self esteem lead to poor communication? It seems like self esteem would cause communication problems. So wouldn't it be better to work on self esteem first?

bluedolphin

I completely agree with this article. Children who grow up in families where there is plenty of healthy communication have more self esteem.

I have some self esteem issues. They are not severe because I could communicate easily with my mother growing up. But I did not communicate with my father. He was always distant and usually didn't even acknowledge. So I do suffer from low self esteem from time to time. But social activities and spending time with friends help and I try to make up for the lack of communication in my childhood by communicating more as an adult.

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    • People who can communicate their feelings and emotions, typically have higher self-esteem.
      By: savage ultralight
      People who can communicate their feelings and emotions, typically have higher self-esteem.
    • Talk therapy might be used to improve self-esteem and communication abilities.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Talk therapy might be used to improve self-esteem and communication abilities.
    • People with self-esteem issues rely more on texting and other impersonal communication methods to avoid face to face confrontations.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      People with self-esteem issues rely more on texting and other impersonal communication methods to avoid face to face confrontations.
    • People who have low self esteem are more argumentative.
      By: mast3r
      People who have low self esteem are more argumentative.
    • People with low self-esteem may be more withdrawn.
      By: kmiragaya
      People with low self-esteem may be more withdrawn.
    • Someone with high self-esteem often is more comfortable in their relationships.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Someone with high self-esteem often is more comfortable in their relationships.