The message from parents during childhood can greatly impact their long-term confidence and resilience. Research shows that children who receive positive feedback from their parents are more likely to have higher self-esteem and feel confident about themselves in adulthood. Conversely, children who receive negative messages may develop low self-esteem and struggle to cope with difficult situations later in life.
Competence
Competence is one factor that can influence a child's development. Parents can send messages about their children's abilities through praise, criticism, and expectations. When a parent praises a child for achieving something, they are sending the message that the child is competent. This can boost the child's confidence and motivate them to continue trying new things.
If a parent constantly criticizes a child's efforts or sets unrealistic standards, it can lead to feelings of incompetence and self-doubt.
Worth
Another important factor is worthiness. Parents can convey messages about whether a child is valuable and worthy simply by how much attention and time they spend with them. If a parent consistently gives love, attention, and support, a child will feel valued and loved. But if a parent is emotionally distant or neglectful, a child may internalize the message that they are not worthy of love or affection. This can negatively affect a child's sense of self-worth and make them less resilient when faced with challenges.
Autonomy
Autonomy refers to a child's ability to make decisions independently. When parents give too much direction or control over a child's life, they may learn to rely on others instead of developing their own skills and confidence. On the other hand, when parents allow their children to make choices and solve problems themselves, they develop a sense of independence and self-reliance.
Early family messages about competence, worth, and autonomy can have long-term impacts on a person's confidence and resilience. Positive messages from parents can help a child feel capable and worthy, while negative messages can undermine those feelings. Encouraging autonomy and giving children opportunities to explore and make choices can help build their confidence in adulthood.
How do early familial messages regarding competence, worth, and autonomy influence long-term confidence and resilience?
Research suggests that early experiences in childhood may play an important role in shaping one's sense of self-efficacy, self-worth, and agency later on in life. According to Bandura (19777), children learn through observation and imitation, and their beliefs about themselves are formed based on how others respond to their behavior.