SELF-ESTEEM STUDENT ON MINAHASA SUBCULTURE

This study explores the self-esteem levels among students of the Minahasa subculture, which includes the Tonsea, Tombulu, Tontemboan, Toulour, and Mongondow subcultures in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Minahasa people maintain a unique cultural identity, influenced by their indigenous philosophy, particularly "si tou timou tumou tou," which underscores the importance of community and mutual support. A total of 195 students from the Faculty of Education and Psychology at Manado State University participated in this research, which employed the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory to assess their self-esteem levels. The data revealed that most students exhibited medium self-esteem across the subcultures, with minor variations in the distribution of high and low self-esteem categories. The study highlights the significant role of cultural values in shaping self-esteem, demonstrating that the Minahasa people's philosophies and community-oriented practices contribute to the students' overall sense of self-worth. This research underscores the importance of considering cultural influences when examining self-esteem, with implications for future studies on the relationship between cultural beliefs and personal development. Further research is recommended to explore the impact of life philosophies and local rituals on self-esteem within the Minahasa subculture.