OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR SELF-ESTEEM DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF FAMILY VICTIMIZATION

Abstract

This article examines self-esteem as an important mechanism of an individual’s psychological stability and social adaptation within the complex context of marital relationships and victimhood. From this perspective, the family is regarded as the primary environment that shapes an individual’s existential identity and self-efficacy.

The theoretical framework of the study combines the classical concepts of W. James, C. Cooley, and C. Rogers with contemporary empirical evidence, highlighting a possible negative association between dysfunctional family dynamics and the individual’s system of self-evaluation. Within this framework, prolonged experiences of victimisation are considered in relation to the internalisation of the social role of the “victim,” the weakening of internal psychological resources, and changes in the “looking-glass self.”

Alongside the theoretical analysis, we also conducted an empirical study. Using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), we conducted a comparative analysis of self-esteem levels among women with a self-perception of victimhood and women in favourable marital relationships (N = 60).

The inclusion of only female participants was intended to provide a more focused examination of self-esteem within the context of interpersonal and family relationships and to maintain greater consistency within the sample. This approach made it possible to examine differences in self-esteem associated with different experiences and perceptions of victimhood more clearly.

The findings show that low self-esteem predominated among women with a self-perception of victimhood (65%). This pattern may relate to theoretical notions of reduced access to personal resources and a lower perceived sense of control. The empirical findings also highlight the importance of self-esteem as a factor associated with psychological resilience and adaptation.

The findings of the study suggest that higher levels of self-evaluation and self-esteem may function as protective resources that support psychological stability. They may also be associated with a stronger sense of personal autonomy and independence, thereby providing a potential basis for the development of targeted psychological intervention programs.