In psychology, self-esteem is described as the value or level of self-esteem that one associates with oneself. It is considered a strong-willed and enduring characteristic which often leads to the conclusion that it is a definite personality trait. Self-esteem generally involves positive or negative recognition of one's beliefs, attitude, behavior, emotions and physical appearance. Many adolescents from all cultures, countries, or socioeconomic communities suffer from self-esteem issues. The main goal of this research is to have a new and, to some extent, more professional understanding of the causes and effects of low self-esteem on young adults. Also, because low self-esteem is a worldwide problem, I will briefly touch on the therapy available to those seeking help. But before we continue, what exactly is low self-esteem? Low self-esteem is generally termed as an illness for the following reasons:1. Low self-esteem usually cannot be controlled - people with low self-esteem tend to be insecure, unsure of what is normal, and generally do not feel comfortable. comfortable being with others (sometimes even close friends and family). Just as one has no control over illness, individuals suffering from low self-esteem have no control over it either. For this reason, this behavior is often described as sick behavior.2. The symptoms of low self-esteem have a certain commonality and are generally predictable. This is so because there is a commonality between people who suffer from this disease; they usually come from unstable families and current relationships. The behavior patterns of these individuals are also predictable. “The commonality and predictability of symptom behavior make it a disease and a condition to be treated as such.”3. Low...... middle of paper ...... process, for example academic confidence can be achieved in arts, mathematics, literature, science, etc. (Muruk J, 2006) Works CitedCoping.org. (August 3, 2004). Definition: low self-esteem. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from Selfgrowth.com: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Definition_Low_Self-Esteem.htmlCrawshore, J. (December 29, 2007). Erikson's stages of development. Retrieved November 23, 2011 from Learning-Theories.com: http://www.learning-theories.com/eriksons-stages-of-development.html Muruk J, C. (June 24, 2006). Theory and practice of self-esteem research. Retrieved November 23, 2011 from Google Books: http://books.google.com.vc/books?id=saKuReD1_VEC&pg=PA118&lpg=PA118&dq=harter's+research+on+self+esteem&source=bl&ots=9iIngyQvBf&sig=XeluUwttWcan4XRRlPSAd9ZyN1A&hl=en& ei= 9wnRTu2mI-TY0QGSztWMBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAw#v=onepa