What does self-esteem refer to?

Self-esteem refers to an individual's sense of self-worth, which encompasses how a person perceives their own value and importance. It is fundamentally about how one feels about oneself, including self-acceptance and confidence in one's abilities and traits. High self-esteem typically correlates with positive thoughts about oneself, while low self-esteem can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This concept is vital in psychology because it affects motivation, behavior, mental health, and overall well-being.

The other options, while related to aspects of an individual’s life, do not encapsulate the essence of self-esteem. Academic success relates to achievements in education, social skills pertain to how one interacts with others, and relationships indicate the quality of one’s connections with people. These factors can influence and be influenced by an individual's self-esteem, but they do not define it.