From their studies, the scientists made some observations. Boys with high self-esteem were active. They were able to ex-press their ideas. They were successful in school and in their relations with other people. In discussions, they led. They didnt just listen. They were interested in world problems. They were creative and believed that they could finish whatever they started. They seldom became tired or sick. In many ways, the boys with middle self-esteem were like the boys with high self-esteem. They too expressed their ideas freely and saw the world as a good and happy place. However, they were not sure of their own value as people. They did their best work when they were sure that other people liked them. The boys with low self-esteem were different from the other two groups. They were sad most of the time. They were afraid to start activities. They felt that no one loved them. They could not express their ideas. They were afraid of anger. In a discussion, they listened, but they didnt talk.
The scientists asked, "How do some boys develop high self-esteem？" "What is different in their lives？" Some of the answers were surprising. High self-esteem did not depend upon physical appearance, or money, or size of family. It did not depend upon how much the mother was at home. The scientists found that there was a closeness between the boys with high self-esteem and their parents. Their parents showed real interests in them, and spent time with them. They listened to their sons and gave them help when the boys asked for it. They knew their sons friends. The sons knew that they were important to their parents. These parents demanded good behavior. They made definite rules. They were strict, but not harsh. They corrected their sons be-havior by rewards, not by punishment. They never took awaytheir love.
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