In children, which of the following stressors can affect self-esteem and self-worth?

An inability to meet parents' expectations is a significant stressor that can deeply impact a child's self-esteem and self-worth. Children often look to their parents as their primary source of validation and approval. When they feel they cannot meet the standards set by their parents, they may experience feelings of inadequacy, which can lead to decreased self-esteem. This struggle to fulfill perceived expectations can foster negative self-perceptions, making the child believe they are not good enough.

The other stressors mentioned, while they can have an effect on self-esteem, do not typically have the same direct correlation to parental expectations. For instance, unsuccessful relationships may impact social skills and emotional health, but they don't directly tie into the foundational perceptions of self-worth that stem from parental feedback. Similarly, sibling rivalry can create conflicts and feelings of jealousy but may not fundamentally shift how one views oneself in relation to parental approval. Loss of companionship can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness, which may indirectly affect self-esteem, but it is the internalized sense of failing to meet parental expectations that often plays a more crucial role in shaping a child's self-concept.