Self-esteem is the degree to which we evaluate ourselves positively. It refers to a person’s global appraisal of his or her value based upon the scores that persons gives themselves in different roles and domains of life (Harter, 1999; Markus & Nurius, 1986; Rogers, 1981). Low self-esteem does not appear as a separate diagnostic category in either the DSM-5 or ICD-10, although it is associated with a wide range of mood and anxiety disorders including depression and social anxiety. There are two cognitive behavioral models of self-esteem that clinicians will find provide useful therapeutic interventions. Psychology Tools has a range of self-esteem exercises.
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high levels of self-criticism
ignoring or downplaying positive qualities
comparison of self to others and negative self-judgment
use of negative words to describe self
dismissal of positive achievements as ‘luck’ or ‘fluke’
difficulty accepting compliments
psychological models of low self-esteem
information handouts for low self-esteem
self esteem exercises
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