RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-ESTEEM AND STRESS RESILIENCE IN EARLY ADOLESCENCE

Abstract

The article examines the relationship between self-esteem and stress resistance in early adolescence. Having theoretically analyzed scientific approaches, it was established that self-esteem is considered a basic characteristic of a person. It determines the features of behavior, relationships, and human activity. Having considered the scientific literature on stress resistance, it was established that stress resistance is understood as emotional stability; the ability to withstand heavy loads and successfully solve problems in extreme situations; a stable orientation of emotional experiences toward a positive solution to problems, etc. Stress resistance includes emotional, volitional, intellectual, and motivational components. It is characterized as an integrative property of the personality that ensures effective adaptation to difficult conditions, preservation of mental health, maintenance of working capacity, and the ability for self-realization. An empirical study of the relationship between self-esteem and stress resistance in early adolescence was conducted. A set of methods was selected for the study: the self-esteem diagnostic method (O. O. Rezvan, N. S. Morgunova, O. V. Kiryanova); the coping strategies diagnostic method (R. Lazarus); and the stress resistance diagnostic method (Maksimenko S. D., Karamushka L. M., Zaychikova T. V.). Using the above methods, it was found that the average level of self-esteem prevails among the subjects. The most common ways for students to overcome stress are planning a solution to the problem and positive reappraisal. The majority of subjects exhibit high stress resistance. Using statistical data analysis (Pearson’s correlation coefficient), a relationship was established between self-esteem, coping with stress, and stress resistance. Subjects with high self-esteem are more likely to use strategies such as selfcontrol, acceptance of responsibility, problem-solving, and positive reappraisal in stressful situations. Less often, in stressful situations, they choose strategies such as confrontation, distancing, seeking social support, and escape (avoidance). It was found that the higher a subject’s self-esteem, the greater their stress resistance.