Which strategy enhances individuals' ability to develop competence and a positive sense of self-esteem?

The strategy that enhances individuals' ability to develop competence and a positive sense of self-esteem is mental health promotion interventions. These interventions focus on improving overall mental well-being, helping individuals build resilience, self-efficacy, and a positive self-concept. By promoting mental health, individuals are encouraged to cultivate skills and attitudes that foster a strong sense of self and enhance their ability to face challenges.

Mental health promotion interventions often include activities that encourage social connections, personal development, and skills training, which can directly contribute to elevated self-esteem. They emphasize strengths rather than weaknesses and provide individuals with tools to navigate life's difficulties while reinforcing their sense of self-worth.

Other strategies, while valuable in their own contexts, do not specifically target the enhancement of self-esteem and competence in the same direct manner that mental health promotion does. For instance, universal preventive interventions focus on broader population health initiatives, selective preventive interventions target specific at-risk groups, and indicated preventive interventions address individuals already showing signs of problems. However, the goal of mental health promotion is explicitly aimed at fostering healthy self-concepts and resilience across all individuals, making it the ideal choice for enhancing competence and self-esteem.