What best describes self-esteem?

Self-esteem is best described as the opinion and belief one holds about oneself. This definition emphasizes that self-esteem is fundamentally tied to an individual's self-perception, which encompasses feelings of self-worth, value, and confidence. When a person evaluates their own qualities, capabilities, and attractiveness, they are forming their self-esteem. This subjective evaluation can influence many areas of life, such as relationships, performance in tasks, and overall mental health.

The other options, while related to personal evaluation and social behavior, do not encompass the complete concept of self-esteem. Confidence in social interactions is a specific aspect that might stem from self-esteem but does not define it. The ability to achieve personal goals involves external measures and achievements rather than internal perception. Similarly, respect for authority figures is about relationships with others and societal structures, rather than one's own view of self. Hence, the comprehensive nature of self-esteem is best captured by recognizing it as one’s opinion and belief about oneself.