Low Self-Esteem and Its Association With Anxiety

Running head: ANXIETY AND SELF-ESTEEM
The Impact of Anxiety and Ethnicity on Self-Esteem
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ANXIETY AND SELF-ESTEEM
The Impact of Anxiety and Ethnicity on Self-Esteem
Introduction
The internet age is characterized by high social networks, increased economic
uncertainty, and declining financial prospects has resulted in high anxiety levels. According to
Scheffler, Anold, Qazi, Harney, Linde, Dimick, and Vora (2018), millennials are facing the
highest anxiety unlike any other generation before them. In their study, Scheffler and colleagues
(2018) established that 34% of U.S adults between 18 and 64 years develop an anxiety disorder
at least once during their lifetime. They also found that anxiety is a significant concern for many
young adults. This study seeks to build on explore factors that impact the anxiety level. It
examines the extent to which the level of self-esteem and ethnicity background affect anxiety
levels.
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to worry about what’s to happen. An individual’s
response to anxiety and the actions taken thereafter determine the impact of the same on their
life. Different types of anxiety present themselves in varying situations. For instance, an
overwhelming fear of social situations characterizes social anxiety. Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD), on the other hand, is anxiety resulting from exposure to a traumatizing event.
Generalized anxiety disorder is anxiety triggered by little or no cause at all. Obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD) is another form of anxiety characterized by an obsessive repetition
of behavior that only gives temporary satisfaction.
This study was prompted by the increased cases of anxiety and depression as reported by
various scholars such as (Sheffler et al., 2018). Anxiety is a significant aspect that most people
face at one time. It threatens the well-being of the victim and limits their effectiveness in life.

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ANXIETY AND SELF-ESTEEM
Studies on anxiety have, over the years, yielded various solutions. Therefore, it is essential to
explore various possible factors that are likely to impact anxiety. This study seeks to explore
further anxiety by examining the extent to which ethnic grouping and self-esteem levels affect it.
Literature Review
Self-esteem can be defined as having faith in your worth and abilities. According to
Bagley and Young (1990), self-esteem is the manner in which a person evaluates his/her
characteristics anchored on the observed characteristics of peers. There are different types of
self-esteem; high, low, inflated, explicit and implicit. High self-esteem is positive self-esteem.
People with high self-esteem display confidence in themselves, clarity on what they want, and
are open to new ideas. According to Riffai (1999), people with high self-esteem have healthier
relationships, adapt accordingly to challenges and have a happier life. Low self-esteem is
characterized by a lack of confidence, hostility, and social withdrawal. Low self-esteem can
result in various mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety (Mann, Hosman, Schaalma, &
de Vries, 2004).
Self-esteem and anxiety are related because people will experience both at some point in
their lives. Both share similar emotional and physical symptoms such as uneasiness, tension,
headaches, high blood pressure and loss of sleep. Self-esteem and anxiety are expected to have a
positive relationship. The theoretical framework suggests that if one is experiencing anxiety
without effective treatment, it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ethnicity is a classification of people based on origin, culture and history. The primary
ethnic groups include Asians, Africans, Caucasians, and Hispanic. Ethnicity and anxiety are
related because various ethnic groups deal with anxiety every day due to racial profiling. In this
study, the African-Americans respondents are expected to have a high anxiety score due to the

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current racial profile. A study by Jager, Suliman and Seedat (2014) on the role of ethnicity in
social anxiety disorder using 112 students established that anxiety is prevalent regardless of the
ethnic group. However, ethnicity is a significant element of anxiety for certain ethnic groups.
Research by Hunter and Schmidt (2010), on the prevalence of anxiety in African-
Americans, established that ethnicity plays a role in anxiety and depression. Young adults from
minority ethnic groups might experience anxiety as a result of fear of future discrimination
(Johnson, Roth, & Breslau, 2006).