Strength-Based Counseling Interventions to Enhance Adolescents' Self-Esteem and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage often marked by identity exploration, emotional instability, and heightened sensitivity to social evaluation. These challenges can significantly affect adolescents’ self-esteem and psychological well-being, especially in the context of academic demands, peer pressure, and family-related stress. Self-esteem serves as a vital foundation for positive psychological development, while psychological well-being encompassing self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, and positive relationships is essential for overall mental health. In response to the limitations of deficit-focused counseling approaches, strength-based counseling (SBC) has emerged as a promising alternative that focuses on individual strengths, values, and potentials. Rooted in positive psychology, SBC aims to empower adolescents by fostering resilience, self-efficacy, and a more positive self-concept. This literature review aims to examine the effectiveness of strength-based counseling interventions in enhancing self-esteem and psychological well-being among adolescents. Through a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025, this study identifies key strategies, outcomes, and theoretical contributions of SBC interventions in adolescent populations. The findings suggest that SBC contributes to increased self-confidence, emotional regulation, and motivation in adolescents, and can be effectively implemented in school and community-based settings. This review also highlights practical implications for counselors and educators, advocating for a shift toward more empowering, affirming, and developmentally appropriate approaches in adolescent mental health support.