The development of strong self-esteem not only helps to cope with difficult times, but is also essential for post-pandemic emotional recovery, which has had a significant impact on people’s self-esteem due to factors such as social isolation, stress and uncertainty, and excessive use of social networks.
Through different studies, as we share, the impact on the development of self-esteem during the COVID 19 pandemic is analysed, with an emphasis on resilience strategies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought multiple challenges globally, affecting physical health, the economy, and, significantly, mental health. One key aspect of emotional well-being that has been impacted is self-esteem, especially among young people and adults who have faced a drastic change in their routine, social isolation, and prolonged uncertainty. This article explores how the pandemic has affected the development of self-esteem and what strategies have emerged to mitigate these negative effects, based on recent research.
Social isolation has been one of the most implemented measures to control the spread of the virus, but it has also had significant psychological repercussions. Self-esteem is intrinsically related to social interactions, and the lack of contact with friends, family, and coworkers has generated a sense of loneliness and disconnection that, in many cases, has diminished one’s positive self-perception.
A study conducted by Brooks et al. (2020) on the psychological effects of quarantine indicated that prolonged isolation tends to generate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and a decrease in self-esteem, as many people depend on social validation to maintain a healthy self-concept. The loss of daily routines and reduced face-to-face interactions can lead to a more negative self-image and a perception of lower personal competence.
Prolonged stress associated with economic and health uncertainty has been a key factor in affecting self-esteem during the pandemic. For many people, work or study are important sources of self-efficacy and self-worth, and the disruption of these aspects has undermined their self-perception.
Research conducted by Zhang et al. (2020) found that the pandemic has exacerbated anxiety, especially among students and young workers, whose sense of identity is closely tied to academic or professional success. The loss of job or academic opportunities, combined with uncertainty about the future, has created a sense of hopelessness and personal devaluation. The lack of control over the external environment can lead to questioning one’s own abilities, further weakening self-esteem.
Despite the challenges, several strategies have emerged as effective mechanisms for developing self-esteem during the pandemic. Resilience has been identified as a key factor in coping with the psychological effects of COVID-19, and various practices have been shown to be effective in strengthening self-esteem:
- Self-compassion and Mindfulness: Developing self-compassion, or the ability to be kind to ourselves in times of difficulty, has emerged as a critical tool. Neff (2020) notes that self-compassion helps people maintain more stable self-esteem by focusing on internal acceptance and support, rather than relying solely on external validation. The practice of mindfulness, which involves being present and accepting emotions without judgment, has also proven effective in reducing self-criticism and improving self-esteem during times of crisis.
- Fostering Self-Efficacy: Engaging in activities that promote self-efficacy, such as learning new skills or creating meaningful routines, has been crucial during the pandemic. Bandura (1997) defines self-efficacy as the belief in one’s ability to accomplish specific tasks, and this has been shown to have a direct relationship with self-esteem. During lockdown, many people found personal projects (exercise, cooking, art, etc.) to be a source of self-efficacy, which helped mitigate the negative effects on their self-esteem.
- Virtual Social Connections: Although physical isolation has been a challenge, virtual social connections have played an important role in maintaining emotional support. Studies such as Holt-Lunstad’s (2020) demonstrate that social support, even through digital means, can buffer the negative impact of isolation on self-esteem. Video conferencing platforms and online communities have provided a crucial sense of belonging and support during the pandemic.
References:
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.
Brooks, S. K., Webster, R. K., Smith, L. E., Woodland, L., Wessely, S., Greenberg, N., & Rubin, G. J. (2020). The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence. The Lancet, 395(10227), 912-920.
Holt-Lunstad, J. (2020). The double-edged sword of social connection during COVID-19: Can social connection be protective and riskier at the same time? American Psychologist, 75(5), 618-630.
Li, S., Wang, Y., Xue, J., Zhao, N., & Zhu, T. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on adolescents’ mental health: The role of internet addiction and parental support. Psychiatry Research, 292, 113372.
Neff, K. D. (2020). The power of self-compassion: A better way to navigate tough times. Mindfulness, 11(3), 1-12.
Zhang, Y., Zhang, H., Ma, X., & Di, Q. (2020). Mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemics and the mitigation effects of exercise: A longitudinal study of college students in China. *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health*, 17(10), 3722.