If a child's basic needs are not met, what is likely to happen to their self-worth?

If a child's basic needs are not met, what is likely to happen to their self-worth?

• A. It improves
• B. It suffers
• C. It is unaffected
• D. It becomes unimportant

Answer: (B)

Meeting basic needs such as safety, nutrition, warmth, and stability provides the foundation for a child’s sense of security and value. When these needs aren’t met, the child experiences ongoing stress and insecurity, which can lead to a negative self-view and lower self-worth. The child may interpret their circumstances as evidence of being unworthy or incapable, and this internal message can persist if the deprivation continues. In contrast, supportive, predictable, and caring caregiving helps the child feel valued, reinforcing a stronger sense of self-worth. So, when basic needs go unmet, self-worth tends to suffer.

Meeting basic needs such as safety, nutrition, warmth, and stability provides the foundation for a child’s sense of security and value. When these needs aren’t met, the child experiences ongoing stress and insecurity, which can lead to a negative self-view and lower self-worth. The child may interpret their circumstances as evidence of being unworthy or incapable, and this internal message can persist if the deprivation continues. In contrast, supportive, predictable, and caring caregiving helps the child feel valued, reinforcing a stronger sense of self-worth. So, when basic needs go unmet, self-worth tends to suffer.