Self-Esteem

For our Psych Adolescence class we had to read this article on self-esteem and it gave me a lot to think about. The article argues that we (really referring to American Society but you can make the parallels) believe self-esteem to cause success when really it is actually a product of success. The one research example that really stuck with me was about a teacher helping students who had not done well on a science test. After identifying the students who were struggling in the class after the first test the teacher emailed the students who received a C, D, or F prior to the next test with review questions. One third of the students received just the review package, one third of the students received comments that empowered the individual to be in control of their own success in the class and the review package and one third of the students received comments that boosted their self-esteem and the review package. The students who received the self-esteem boosting comments did worse on the second test! Is that because they felt so good about themselves that they didn't think that they needed to work hard? Do you think that in boosting student's self-esteem that we are giving students a false perception of themselves?

I attached a link to the article if anyone is interested!