How Coaches Can Positively Influence Players' Sense of Self-Esteem Through a Well Thought Out Program

by Barbara C. Lemaire, M.A.

It has been empirically proven that the coach's assessment of a player's ability directly affects the players sense of self-esteem. This is important information for coaches. Why? Because, self-esteem plays a major part in a player's confidence and his or her feelings of competence. These feelings determine to a major extent what players will attempt and what will be relinquished for others to attempt.

Self-esteem itself can at any one time be considered either a state of being or a personality trait. In reality, both often come into play simultaneously.

State self-esteem is the perception of self-worth that can change as the result of varying performance in distinct situations. It takes consistent performance in any one activity to change state of being self-esteem. The ensuing feeling of competence brought about by consistent performance is the starting point toward making a more lasting change in the personality trait self-esteem. Trait self-esteem is the stable perception of one's ability to perform competently. The personality trait form of self-esteem is considered resistant to change. It takes many positive changes in state self-esteem, coupled with significant experiences, to alter ones perceptions of one's global feelings of competence.

Often the significant or extraordinary achievement that may affect self-esteem is an achievement that has been long sought after and/or that is highly prized by one's peers, family or role model. The coach's opinion is the one sure opinion that will make the difference between high and low achievement. This is a very heavy responsibility and must be attended to consistently.

Positive feedback for personal best achievement will pay off in the long run.

This achievement acts as proof positive to the player that he or she is considered competent in their chosen endeavor. This ability to overcome challenges and obstacles effectively is experienced as a beginning point for future ventures. Sports is a place where identifying and rewarding achievement of consistent performance is a cornerstone of a well-developed team player.

The design of a supportive program that will foster high self- esteem must include four specific principles.

Consistent and supportive feedback.

Diagnostic and functional testing to evaluate levels of fitness and ability. Individualized goals and prescriptions specific to fitness and ability. A program that is challenging enough to allow achievement yet not so difficult to be discouraging. These guidelines will allow the player feelings of competence that will increase state self-esteem. As player's continue to exercise and improve, it has been proven that they will gain a greater appreciation and acceptance of themselves. This feeling of self-efficacy developed by excelling in his or her chosen sport will generalize out to broader less well defined perceptions of other abilities. This confidence will allow players to take on significant or extraordinary challenges that, when achieved, will affect not only their personality trait self-esteem but also their value to the team.

12/29/97

Barbara C. Lemaire MA has her Masters degree in counseling psychology and is currently a doctoral candidate in the Sport Psychology program at the San Diego University for Integrative Studies, in San Diego, California. She specializes in personal coaching and performance enhancement.

Barbara Lemaire can be reached at blemaire@tradesvc.com or sduis@sduis.edu.