AP Psychology Practice Test

What does self-esteem reflect?

1. One's physical health

2. One's financial status

3. One's feelings of high or low self-worth

4. One's level of professional success

The correct answer is: One's feelings of high or low self-worth

Self-esteem is fundamentally about how individuals perceive their own worth and value. It encompasses a person's overall emotional evaluation of their own self-image, which involves feelings of self-acceptance, self-respect, and self-confidence. When someone has high self-esteem, they typically have a positive view of themselves, while low self-esteem can lead to feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness. This aspect of self-perception is central to psychological well-being, influencing various domains of life, including relationships, academic performance, and even mental health. Other choices such as physical health, financial status, and professional success may influence one’s self-esteem but are not its defining characteristics. For instance, someone might have a successful career yet struggle with feelings of low self-worth or vice versa, which illustrates that self-esteem is more about internal perceptions than external achievements or conditions.