Case Scenario Self-Esteem
1. Differentiate between the terms self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.
Self-efficacy is being sure about completing a certain task to completion and is what leads to more self-confidence when you have self-efficacy in many tasks. (DuBrin, 2014) Having self-efficacy can actually help a person do better than someone who does not have self-efficacy. (DuBrin, 2014) Meaning, if Karen and Abe are given a task to complete and Karen is sure she will do well, while Abe thinks he will not do well, then Karen most probably will perform her task well, but Abe will perform inadequately. Additionally, if a person sets high goals for themselves, this can be attributed to self-efficacy. DuBrin cites research by George P. Hollenbeck and Douglas T. Hall that a person’s self-confidence stems from five sources. (2014) One source is our own experiences in life. Experiences that people experience in life is the best booster for more self-confidence, as in the first time a person creates a graph in Microsoft Word will build for that person greater self-confidence. This is basically an image builder which is also called self-concept. Self-concept is our perception of who we are as far as abilities or uniqueness and is our self-image. (DuBrin, 2014) Self-esteem differs from self-concept and self-efficacy, in that it is what we feel about ourselves. Self-esteem is brought about through actual accomplishments after which praise and recognition follow. (DuBrin, 2014)
2. Describe at least three aspects of Pat’s self-concept and self-esteem.
Pat’s self-concept is extremely low as he does not think Chris would be interested in his friendship. (Frank, 2011) His self-esteem is low in that he thinks there is no common ground between himself as a parent and the other employees. After unsuccessfully chatting up with Chris, Pat receives another blow to his self-esteem thereby creating feelings of isolation and loneliness that might not be warranted. Self-esteem gets knocked lower after more failures in creating new friendships. (DuBrin, 2014)
3. How might Pat's self-concept, self-esteem or self-efficacy impact relationships with others?
Pat’s self-esteem and self-efficacy impacts his ability to start any kind of friendship with the other employees. Pat seems not to have enough confidence in his own skills to relate to others. This would seem to stem from an aversion of risk which is a characteristic of low self-efficacy, as well as a fear of uncertainty as to how Chris will respond. (Frank, 2011)
4. Describe at least three strategies that would be effective in improving Pat's sense of self-efficacy and/or self-esteem.
One strategy that would be effective for Pat to improve his sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem is to avoid negative self-talk. (DuBrin, 2014) Putting himself down is negative self-talk and should be avoided. Another method for boosting self-confidence is to use positive self-talk that will focus on the problematic area in the sense of self. (DuBrin, 2014) If Pat knows how to say hi or hello to Chris, then he should focus on the fact that he could talk to Chris and that Chris answered back. A third method is for Pat to take an inventory of his assets and accomplishments to appreciate his own good points. (DuBrin, 2014) This will give him the self-confidence boost he needs in order to become friends with Chris and join in conversations with the other employees.

References DuBrin, A. J. (2014). Human Relations for Career and Personal Success: Concepts, Applications, and Skills (10th ed.). Boston MA: Pearson.

Frank, M.A. (2011). Excel At Life. Retrieved from http://www.excelatlife.com/articles/selfesteem.htm