Defensive Self-Esteem

Defensive self-esteem describes individuals whose self-esteem is affected by external factors and evaluations from other people and it influences their self-esteem levels. There is a great concern with the maintenance of high self-esteem levels. The individual will be concerned about the opinions of those around them and on the external environment and it can alter their self-esteem and confidence levels. Individuals with defensive self-esteem try and maintain their high self-esteem at all costs. They frequently don't handle criticisms well and need positive feedback to sustain their high self-esteem. Contrary to this is a person with secure self-esteem who doesn't need the approval or feedback of others.