What is the Difference Between Self-Esteem and Self-Worth?

The main difference between self-esteem and self-worth lies in their definitions and the sources they come from:

• Self-esteem refers to how you think and feel about yourself, which can change based on mood, circumstance, performance, or the approval of others. It is influenced by external factors such as approval from other people or how you perform on tasks.
• Self-worth is a more global and stable form of self-esteem, and it describes how much you value yourself. It is rooted in one's overall appraisal of their value or capability and is not subject to external factors. Self-worth is inherent, does not rely on comparisons, and does not have conditions or contingencies to be met.

Here are some key differences between self-esteem and self-worth:

1. Self-worth is inherent and not something you need to earn, while self-esteem comes from external factors and can be earned.
2. Self-worth does not rely on comparisons to others, while self-esteem can be influenced by comparisons.
3. Self-worth does not have conditions or contingencies to be met, while self-esteem can be subject to external factors like approval from others or performance on tasks.
4. Self-worth is a deeper and more stable concept than self-esteem.
5. Self-worth is focused on internal beliefs and stable factors like respect and consideration, while self-esteem refers to individual qualities and characteristics that are more fluid and subject to external factors.

In summary, self-worth is a deeper and more stable sense of self-evaluation, while self-esteem is influenced by external factors and can fluctuate based on circumstances and performance. Both self-esteem and self-worth are important for mental health and overall well-being, and fostering both can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Comparative Table: Self-Esteem vs Self-Worth

Here is a table comparing the differences between self-esteem and self-worth:

In summary, self-esteem is more focused on an individual's qualities and is influenced by external factors, while self-worth is a more stable, internal evaluation of one's inherent value and is not contingent on external factors.