What does self-esteem refer to?

Self-esteem specifically refers to the way you perceive and value yourself. It encompasses your feelings of self-worth and confidence in your own abilities and qualities. High self-esteem typically means that you view yourself positively and feel capable, while low self-esteem may lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This concept is crucial in understanding mental and emotional health, as it significantly influences behaviors, motivation, and how an individual interacts with others.

Other options do not capture the essence of self-esteem. While physical health, financial status, and knowledge and skills can impact a person's self-perception indirectly, they are not the definition of self-esteem itself. Instead, those areas could contribute to how one feels about oneself, but they do not define the core concept of self-esteem. Self-esteem is fundamentally about personal feelings and assessments regarding oneself, independent of these external factors.