The researchers speculated that rapid social and biological changes, both common during adolescence and old age, might contribute to this common loss in self-esteem. The study was conducted through the Internet and gathered more than 325,000 responses. The participants ranged from 9 years to 90 years of age.

The results broke down as follows:

• Respondents aged 9 to 12: Levels were the highest, and levels were similar among boys and girls.

• Respondents in adolescence: Levels were much lower, and the drop in self-esteem was twice as great for girls than for boys. This gender difference in self-esteem remained throughout adulthood.

• Respondents in post-adolescent years, college, and post-college: Self-esteem levels increased after adolescence and peaked in the mid-60s.

• Respondents in their 70s and 80s: Self-esteems levels plunged for this age group, yet respondents in this age group narrowed the gender gap; those in their 70s had similar self-esteem while women in their 80s had slightly higher self-esteem than men.

The researchers suppose that the self-esteem decline in old age could be attributed to:

• Loss of spouse
• Decreased social support or socioeconomic status
• Declining physical and mental health

They also postulated that the decline in adolescent years could have a lot to do with puberty.

Psychology and Aging September 2002;17:423-434

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

It's amazing. Most of us start out loving and accepting ourselves, but as we go along in life, the negative messages that we frequently receive from well-intentioned (or sometimes not well-intentioned) relatives and friends gradually cause us to short-circuit.

This is one of the most common problems I see. It typically results in some subsequent disruption in one's physical health.

Fortunately there are simple tools like psychological acupressure (EFT). If you haven't read the Free Report on EFT recently, I would encourage you to do so. There is an entire section on performing positive affirmations and goals to address your lack of self-confidence. It has helped many tens of thousands of people.

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