FEATURES OF ANXIETY IN STUDENTS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SELF-ESTEEM

Abstract

The article analyzes the psychological characteristics of anxiety in students with varying levels of self-esteem. The relevance of this issue is emphasized by the increasing stress factors affecting youth, especially amidst the conditions of war and socio-economic instability in the country. The study summarizes key theoretical approaches to understanding anxiety as a significant indicator of emotional instability and self-esteem as a fundamental component of the self-concept. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of social, emotional, and cognitive factors that play a crucial role in the formation of self-confidence during student years. The results of the empirical research confirmed the presence of an inverse relationship between anxiety levels and selfesteem: an increase in anxiety is accompanied by a decrease in self-esteem. Furthermore, certain gender differences in the manifestations of anxiety among students were revealed, while no statistically significant differences in self-esteem levels between men and women were found. The data obtained during the study provide a crucial basis for the development and further implementation of effective psychological interventions in higher education institutions. The article also notes that anxiety is a fairly common phenomenon among students and is often accompanied by various difficulties in interpersonal communication, academic activities, and professional self-determination. Self-esteem plays a central role in ensuring the internal well-being of an individual and can have both a reinforcing and weakening effect on the manifestations of anxiety. The research results showed that students characterized by low self-esteem demonstrate significantly higher rates of both personal and situational anxiety. The obtained data allow concluding about the importance of considering self-esteem in working with anxious states of youth and can be used in the psychological support of students.