should the media`s representation of women be considered a factor in the development of negative elf image among women

Women 's Self Esteem : NOT Because of the Media

The subject of media 's impact on women has been a big issue for several years now . However , how does self esteem or one 's concept of oneself really develop ? Does the media really have any influence on this ? No the media does not influence women 's development of self image . Women 's self-images come from a number of internal sources , including their natural role as nurturers , how their needs are met , and other personal things

First of all , a person develops as

a part of a family . A little girl will learn , based on her family 's actions , to either trust or mistrust peoples ' intentions , as per Erik Erikson 's series of crises . This will tell her , in time , whether she is worthy of positive attention or not If she is worthy of positive attention , then she will begin to develop good self esteem and a positive self image . If , however , her family is cold or neglectful towards her , she will develop a negative self image and poor self esteem

As the girl grows into a teenager , these early experiences will prove far more important than any outside sources . A teen who was raised in a loving household will be far more likely to have a positive self image than one who was not . This has nothing to do with the media , only with personal influences . As the teen grows into a woman , she will come to see her role in life based on these experiences . If her experiences were positive , she will see herself in a positive light , and will probably want to give to others . If her experiences were negative , she may be selfish and will see herself in a negative light

Maslow 's hierarchy of needs will affect a woman 's self esteem , too . A woman who cannot even get her basic needs met , or who hasn 't had them met since childhood (food , water , shelter ) will develop a negative self concept , because she may believe she was not worthy of anything . She will also be far more concerned about getting these needs met than anything else , which doesn 't allow for higher needs . If a woman 's need for love and belongingness aren 't met (through friends , family , lovers etc , she may also have a lower self-esteem . A woman who has many friends and loved ones , who is well liked , will have a higher self esteem . A woman who is having all of her needs met and who is striving towards self-actualization should have very high self esteem , because she feels fulfilled in all areas of her life , and is able to strive towards betterment all the time . This also allows for a solid self concept

Women who have met challenges in their lives and won will tend to have higher self esteem than those who have not been challenged or who have lost . A woman who has always had good friends , who has always had...