The link between identity, self Image and self esteem

Identity – Characteristics and interests that somebody recognises as belonging uniquely to them and makes up their individual personality for life.

Self Image – The opinion that you have of your own worth, attractiveness, or intelligence.

Self Esteem – Confidence in your own qualities as an individual person.

All of the above are linked.

If a person feels that their identity is being repressed, by not being able to or given the choice to do things that interest them, then this person may feel withdrawn or unable to express themselves.

This will then in turn have an effect on their self image and self esteem.

Self image is the same. If a person is not supported or is somehow not allowed to dress, style their hair in a way they choose. Or they are not supported to dress in a way that makes them feel good about themselves, then this will affect how they feel about themselves and also have an effect on how others react to them, therefore impacting on their self esteem.

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“Environment – refers to the surroundings and personal property of the individuals”

All individuals have personal preferences and boundaries, which must be respected and put in to practice. How to promote their well being may include:

Decorating their rooms in colours that they like. By doing this it gives them control over an aspect of their life, therefore having a positive effect on their well being and help them to feel comfortable in their room. Furnishing the house with furniture of their choosing. This also gives them a choice in their life. Giving them a sense of self worth, will help with their well being and make them feel happy. Using support documentation, such as service user plans to provide continuity of care in the current placement. This will help you to understand their likes and dislikes and can help you provide an environment that would help their well being. Recognise and respect their personal boundaries and preferences.

Providing then with any music, media or television programme that suits their needs and wishes. By providing them with this it’ll help their well being as it will help them to feel happy. Ensure that their personal property is kept as the individual wants. This shows that you respect their property and will help with their well being. Ensure any food and drink served to them meets their individual preferences. By knowing what they like and don’t like, they will feel more comfortable in their surroundings, therefore helping their well being. Living in a clean environment will keep sickness at bay and make them feel healthy and comfortable in their environment.

Good listening and communication skills from the staff that care for them will make them feel comfortable in their home. Feeling a sense of autonomy and control. Having control and a say about the environment you live in will make them feel comfortable and happy with their surroundings as they have chosen what is in that environment. Keeping a healthy lifestyle will help them keep healthy. Making them feel happy and having a positive effect on their well being. Feeling valued and respected by people around you.

Access to opportunities that promote their well being.

Providing an environment where individuals can make contributions, such as bed making, dinner choices and helping with the laundry. This will make them feel involved in the environment that they live in. which will have a good effect on their well being and they will be contributing to the environment and listened to in their choices.

Controlling risk via risk assessments will support them to do tasks that they would like to do, but we can hep assess the risk and respond quickly if anything goes wrong. Support them to make their own choices will give them independence and help with their well being. Promote independence will make the feel that they have a sense of control in their life and promote good well being.

Why is it important to support individuals in a way that promotes their identity, self mage and self esteem?