In psychology, self-esteem reflects a person's overall self-appraisal of their own worth.

Self-esteem encompasses both beliefs (for example, "I am competent/incompetent") and emotions (for example: triumph/despair, pride/shame). Behavior may reflect self-esteem, in (for example: assertiveness/timorousness, confidence/caution).

Psychologists usually regard self-esteem as an enduring personality characteristic (trait self-esteem), though normal, short-term variations (state self-esteem) occur.

Self-esteem can apply specifically to a particular dimension (for example: "I believe I am a good writer, and feel proud of that in particular") or have global extent (for example: "I believe I am a good person, and feel proud of myself in general").

Synonyms or near-synonyms of self-esteem include:

• self-worth
• self-regard
• self-respect
• self-confidence (a sometimes disparaging term which can suggest excessive self-regard [more than self-esteem])
• self-love (which can express overtones of self-promotion)

Compare:

• self-efficacy