I Agree With Hinkley's 2015 Three Most Influential Elements

I Agree With Hinkley 2015s Three Most Influential Elements In The D

I agree with Hinkley (2015)’s three most influential elements in the development of healthy self-esteem in women: relationship with parents and upbringing as a child, presence or absence of abuse, and genetics. I believe the upbringing one receives from one’s parents and support or lack thereof strongly influences every aspect of one’s life because it is the foundation we all stand on. If the foundation is not firm then there might be delayed development or issues later on in life like low self-esteem. It also makes perfect sense that abuse and/or traumatic events would negatively influence self-esteem because the act or experience communicates to the child that they are inadequate or doing something wrong.

How can you feel important or worthy of love when you only hear the opposite, are ignored, or physically shown that your body is not to be respected? Thankfully, this was not my experience. Our presentations talked about how parents in general impact self-esteem but Scheffler and Naus (1999) explained how fathers specifically influence self-esteem and other factors as well. “It was found that the more affirmed women [felt] by their fathers the higher their self-esteem” (p. 42).

I had a father who was my biggest fan/cheerleader in athletics and my overall biggest supporter. He always told me I could do anything and when I had dreams of playing basketball professionally he told me even that was possible. While the support of my mom was extremely significant I feel as though I am a confident, independent woman because my father showed me my value and worth from a very young age. This is very different than the experience of two of my closest friends. One’s father was non-existent and the other was always present but both verbally and physically abusive.

I have seen them both struggle with low self-esteem and feel as though they have to be perfect all the time. They also have sought out love through intimacy with guys in ways that were not pleasing to God. In talking through it with them, it is clear they are looking for the affirmation of their fathers. I know one definitely has characteristics of the imposter while the other has characteristics of the rebel (Hinkley, 2015). In encouraging my friends or helping a woman improve her self-esteem in a counseling setting, I think it is important to remind them who they are first in Christ and that God is the perfect father.

As it says in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (New King James Version). Even if their earthly father was not affirming, they can find their identity in God and the love He has shown, namely in sending His son. Then I would, as described by Hinkley (2015), help them replace self-defeating beliefs with realistic and healthy beliefs through cognitive therapy. I like the idea of a daily thought and feeling record to help a woman see clearly how positive or negative her thoughts and feelings are and how this impacts her. Learning to re-condition her mind with the positive by casting down thoughts and speaking truth can be helpful too.

Paper For Above instruction

Self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of psychological health, significantly influencing how women perceive themselves and navigate their social environments. Hinkley's (2015) exploration of the elements that shape self-esteem provides valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of early relationships, traumatic experiences, and genetics. Understanding these elements is crucial for clinicians and individuals aiming to foster resilient and positive self-perceptions in women.

Among the most influential factors affecting women's self-esteem, the relationship with parents during childhood stands out prominently. Parental support, affirmation, and the quality of caregiving are foundational in developing a healthy self-concept (Kopala & Keitel, 2003). Parental affirmation, especially from fathers, has been shown to correlate positively with women’s self-esteem (Scheffler & Naus, 1999). Consistent positive interactions—such as praise, attentive listening, and respectful communication—help shape a woman's sense of worth. Conversely, neglect, criticism, or abuse can severely impair self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy and emotional insecurity (DeHart, Pelham, & Tennen, 2006). Childhood experiences act as the bedrock upon which future self-perception is built, and disruptions during this period can have long-lasting consequences (Clinton & Langberg, 2011).

Abuse and traumatic events form another critical element influencing self-esteem. Experiencing violence, neglect, or emotional maltreatment from caregivers communicates to the child that they are unworthy or defective. Such messages can embed deep-seated feelings of shame and self-doubt, persisting into adulthood if unaddressed (Hinkley, 2015). The presence of trauma undermines the development of a secure self-identity, which is essential for healthy functioning and confidence. Therapeutic intervention often involves addressing these wounds, helping women reframe their narratives, and restoring their sense of self-worth (Tryon & Winograd, 2003).

Genetics also play a role, although their influence is often intertwined with environmental factors. Genetic predispositions can affect temperament, resilience, and susceptibility to mental health issues like depression or anxiety, which in turn influence self-esteem. For instance, women with genetic vulnerabilities for mood disorders may struggle more with self-acceptance and confidence (Scheffler & Naus, 1999). Nonetheless, environmental interactions often mediate genetic risks, highlighting the significance of nurturing relationships and positive life experiences in promoting healthy self-esteem (DeHart et al., 2006).

Empirical research supports the importance of early attachment and responsive caregiving. Scheffler and Naus (1999) found that women who perceived their fathers' affirmation generally reported higher self-esteem, as well as greater comfort with their femininity and sexuality. These findings underscore the influence of paternal relationships in shaping self-esteem across different domains. Moreover, attachment theory posits that the quality of early bonds influences self-concept stability (DeHart et al., 2006). Supportive caregiving fosters a sense of security, enabling women to explore identity and develop confidence in their abilities (Kopala & Keitel, 2003).

From a counseling perspective, integrating insights about these three elements—parental influence, trauma, and genetics—can facilitate more effective interventions. For women with low self-esteem rooted in childhood neglect or abuse, therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective for challenging and modifying negative core beliefs (Hinkley, 2015). Techniques like daily thought records enable women to monitor and reframe maladaptive thoughts, fostering healthier self-perceptions over time (Clinton & Langberg, 2011). Furthermore, focusing on identity in Christ offers spiritual grounding, reinforcing the intrinsic worth of women as God's creation. Scriptural affirmations, such as Ephesians 2:10, serve as reminders of divine purpose and unconditional acceptance, counteracting negative self-concepts fostered by adverse experiences.

In clinical practice, it is essential to evaluate the influence of both parental figures and genetic predispositions. When working with women with low self-esteem, assessing their early relationship dynamics provides insight into underlying issues. Incorporating spiritual counseling by emphasizing divine love and identity helps women rebuild their self-view on a firm spiritual foundation. For instance, emphasizing that they are "His workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10) can empower women to see themselves through God's eyes, which is often more validating than external sources alone (Kopala & Keitel, 2003).

In addition to individual therapy, group interventions focusing on attachment, trauma recovery, and faith-based affirmations can be beneficial. Promoting resilience by reinforcing positive attributes and divine purpose encourages women to overcome feelings of inadequacy. It is equally important to recognize the genetic and environmental influences on self-esteem, advocating for a holistic approach that includes biological, psychological, social, and spiritual components.

Ultimately, fostering healthy self-esteem in women requires an understanding of the interplay between childhood experiences, traumatic events, and innate predispositions. By addressing these areas comprehensively, practitioners can help women develop a resilient, authentic sense of self rooted in their identity in Christ and supported by positive life experiences.

References

• Clinton, T., & Langberg, D. (2011). The quick-reference guide to counseling women. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
• DeHart, T., Pelham, B. W., & Tennen, H. (2006). What lies beneath: Parenting style and implicit self-esteem. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 42, 1–17. doi: 10.1016/j.jesp.2004.12.005
• Hinkley, P. (2015). Counseling women: Self-esteem & self-concept: Development [PowerPoint slides].
• Kopala, M., & Keitel, M. A. (2003). The quick reference guide to counseling women. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
• Scheffler, T. S., & Naus, P. J. (1999). The relationship between fatherly affirmation and a woman's self-esteem, fear of intimacy, comfort with womanhood and comfort with sexuality. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 8(1), 39-45.
• Tryon, G. S., & Winograd, G. (2003). Developing a healthy identity. In M. Kopala & M. A. Keitel (Eds.), Handbook of counseling women (pp. 256–272). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.