Self-esteem is a major challenge in our era today, especially in younger women. It lies at the heart of many of the diverse issues and challenges we face in life. But what exactly is self-esteem? According to the Webster’s Dictionary self-esteem is “the confidence in which we view ourselves”. Everyone needs self-esteem, regardless of age, sex, and ethnicity, considering it affects virtually every facet of life. The positive self esteem that middle school girls possessed in the past no longer exists and the lack of a strong sense of self will negatively affect these young girls well into their futures. Low self-esteem is a feeling of being unworthy, of not measuring up to others and feeling incapable of achievements or successes in life. Low-self esteem essentially comes about from a lack of self-love and self-rejection (Teen, 2). It is rooted in past experiences, especially if the person did not get much affirmation and reinforcement in their childhood, or was hurt and rejected in some way, and has fear and negative thinking at its core (Harter, 2). Other causes that trigger low self esteem in middle school adolescent girls include peer pressure from social groups, the media, and elders. Low self-esteem can be physically, mentally and socially debilitating (Results, 1). Countless amounts of problems occur if a young teen has self-esteem issues. According to the Dove self-esteem support foundation, “Over 50% of women say their body disgusts them, 6 out of 10 girls think they'd ‘be happier if they were thinner’, and while only 19% of teenage girls are ‘overweight’, 67% think they need to lose weight.” All of these outrageous claims have every entity to do with low self esteem. Positive self-esteem gives you the courage to be your own person, believe in your own values, and make the right decision when the pressure is on. Groups of friends can put a lot of pressure