Low Self-Esteem in Parents

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among parents? Parenting competence can influence self-worth but parenthood itself doesn't imply low self-esteem
Are parents at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? #N/A
Does it show up differently among parents? Yes
How might it look different? Self-worth may become overdependent on children's achievement, behaviour or approval
What commonly occurs alongside it? #N/A
What can it be confused with? Parenting stress
Common screening tool RSES — Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Separate screening tool for parents Parenting Sense of Competence-type measures assess parenting efficacy, not global self-esteem
1 of 14