Risk & Protective Factors 

Parents who are critical and unsupportive (e.g., who express dissatisfaction with their own, or their children's weight, or tease them about it) can have a negative impact on their children's beliefs about themselves. 

 Young adolescents who worry about what others think of them or how they may be treated at school tend to have negative perceptions of themselves. 

 Individuals who have experienced trauma are often tormented by thoughts that reflect intensely negative core beliefs about themselves.

Positive relationships with parents cultivate self-esteem in children, which leads to more positive relationships with peers in adolescence and young adulthood.

Healthy coping skills are crucial for maintaining a positive self-image because they help individuals manage stress, navigate challenges, and build resilience, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of self-worth and well-being.  

Focusing on personal strengths can significantly boost self-image by fostering a positive sense of self, confidence, and well-being, leading to a more positive and realistic view of oneself.