Can a Failing Grade Affect a Student's Self-Esteem?

Definition of Self-Esteem

• A person̵7;s self-esteem refers to her overall state of happiness and well-being, states school psychologist Maureen A. Manning, with the Anne Arundel County school system in Maryland. Self-esteem also includes the way a child evaluates herself overall, which can connect with academic performance. Self-concept involves a person̵7;s perception of competence and adequacy. Self-concept involves all areas in life, not just academics. Many academic programs strive to promote positive student self-concept because this will lead to positive student self-esteem, states Manning.

Stress and Anxiety

• When students hinge self-esteem on external sources -- such as academic performance -- a failing grade can have a negative impact, according to research by Dr. Jennifer Crocker, a psychologist at the University of Michigan's institute for social research, reported in a December 2002 paper on the American Psychological Association website. When a failing grade comes and the self-esteem takes a hit, the resulting effects include anxiety, stress, anger, conflicts with others and even issues such as eating disorders. Shifting self-esteem to an internal source like following specific moral standards often results in a student earning higher grades and avoiding negative risk-taking behavior.

Low Self-Esteem

• Watch your child for indications of low self-esteem to determine if a failing grade had a negative impact. If your child gives up easily or even avoids tasks because he thinks he will fail, he may have low self-esteem, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org website. A child who hides feelings of inadequacy or frustration or who makes excuses to blame failures on others may also have low self-esteem. Moodiness, anger, difficulty accepting criticism and social withdrawal might also be signs of low self-esteem.

Shifting Focus

• High grades often lead to high self-esteem, according to the Scholastic website. Instead of lavishing praise on your child for good grades, however, shift the focus to working toward goals and help your child maintain this motivation. Help your child find her strengths and then focus on goals that use and develop these strengths. By concentrating on working hard to learn and improve, a child̵7;s self-esteem should remain intact. Even if she fails, you can help her learn why she failed and then create a plan that will help her do better next time.