Self-esteem coping skills often focus on recognizing and finding healthy ways to maintain self-confidence. As clients deal with the ups and downs of growing up, they can sometimes struggle to cope. Despite these challenges, many can find positive ways to build self-esteem, like talking with friends, doing creative activities, or getting support from trusted adults.
The Self-Esteem Coping Skills for Teens is a handout with two sections: the first tackles positive actions to boost self-esteem, while the second focuses on positive thoughts. Some of the strategies featured include taking on challenges, practicing self-care, and challenging your inner critic.
Teens who use this worksheet regularly can develop a stronger sense of acceptance and belonging, and take pride in their actions. For instance, by embracing positive ideas from the handout, such as "letting go of perfectionism" and "treating yourself with kindness," they can better cope with stressful moments like exams or social pressures.
Caring adults can motivate teens to regularly apply the tips and reflect on their progress. They can create a safe space in the home or classroom where teens can share their thoughts to help reinforce the tips learned from the worksheet.
References:
- Dumont, M., & Provost, M. A. (1999). Resilience in adolescents: Protective role of social support, coping strategies, self-esteem, and social activities on experience of stress and depression. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 28(3), 343-363. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1021637011732
- Martyn‐Nemeth, P., Penckofer, S., Gulanick, M., Velsor‐Friedrich, B., & Bryant, F. B. (2008). The relationships among self‐esteem, stress, coping, eating behavior, and depressive mood in adolescents. Research in Nursing & Health, 32(1), 96-109. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20304
- Shirk, S., Burwell, R., & Harter, S. (2003). Strategies to modify low self-esteem in adolescents. Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents, 32(2), 189–213.
- Srivastava, P., & Kiran, M. (2015). The relationship between perceived stress, self-esteem, way of coping, and problem-solving ability among school-going adolescents. Journal of Psychosocial Research, 10(2).
