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Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Low Self-Esteem (Fennell
A licensed copy of Fennell's (1997) cognitive behavioral model of low self-esteem which describes a framework to address the core components and low self-esteem.
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Overview
Fennell's Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Low Self-Esteem (1997) offers a framework for understanding how negative self-evaluations become ingrained and persist. It explains how early life experiences contribute to self-beliefs, and how these beliefs are maintained by cognitive biases and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Clinicians can use this model to guide for case formulation, and to identify treatment for improving self-esteem.
Why Use This Resource?
Understanding the cognitive underpinnings of low self-esteem is important for effective intervention.
- Understand the origins and maintenance mechanisms of low self-esteem.
- Identify core beliefs and how they persist despite apparent disconfirmation.
- Develop appropriate case formulation for clients struggling with low self-esteem.
Key Benefits
Insights
Provides a comprehensive model for understanding low self-esteem in clients.
Identification
Helps in identifying cognitive biases and unhelpful behaviors maintaining low self-esteem.
Intervention
Guides the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.
Who is this for?
Low Self-Esteem
Formulating interventions for pervasive negative self-beliefs.
Depression
Where low-self esteem is comorbid with depression.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Addressing self-critical thoughts and avoidance behaviors.
Integrating it into your practice
01
Learn
Understand more about the cognitive behavioral model of low self-esteem.
02
Organize
Use the model as a template to organize your case formulations.
03
Educate
Use your knowledge of the model to explain maintenance processes to clients.
04
Discuss
Engage clients in discussions about their beliefs and behaviors.
05
Tailor
Customize interventions based on individual maintenance mechanisms.
06
Reflect
Use in supervision to discuss formulation and treatment plans.
Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance
Fennell’s model extends Beck’s cognitive theory by describing how negative beliefs about the self develop and persist over time. Early life experiences — particularly those involving criticism, neglect, or conditional approval — can lead people to form global negative beliefs such as “I am worthless” or “I’m not good enough.” These beliefs often remain dormant until triggered by relevant life events, at which point they become activated and shape how the individual interprets themselves, others, and the world.
Once established, negative self-beliefs are maintained by a range of cognitive and behavioral processes. Individuals tend to interpret information in a biased way, giving more weight to experiences that confirm their negative beliefs while dismissing evidence to the contrary. In an effort to protect themselves, they may also develop rules for living or coping strategies — such as avoidance, perfectionism, or appeasement — which offer short-term relief but ultimately reinforce the original beliefs. These patterns create a self-perpetuating cycle in which low self-esteem is preserved.
Therapeutically, the model provides a structured framework for helping clients understand how their self-view has developed and why it persists. It invites collaborative exploration of early experiences, core beliefs, and the day-to-day strategies that keep those beliefs in place. Interventions typically involve helping clients notice and challenge automatic thoughts, experiment with alternative ways of behaving, and develop a more compassionate and balanced view of themselves. The goal is not simply to eliminate negative beliefs, but to broaden the client’s perspective and develop a more flexible, accepting self-concept.
What's inside
- A graphical depiction of the model.
- Insights into key maintenance mechanisms.
- Guidelines for using the resource with clients.
FAQs
Low self-esteem involves a persistently negative view of oneself, often influenced by past experiences and reinforced by current behavior and thought patterns.
Clinicians use it to guide their case formulation, helping them to effectively target their interventions.
Explore past and present experiences to uncover these beliefs. Techniques such as the ‘downward arrow’ can be helpful.
How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes
By applying the model, therapists and clients benefit from:
- Targeted interventions focusing on common maintenance mechanisms.
- Enhanced client engagement through increased understanding of their difficulties.
- Improved treatment outcomes by addressing core psychological features.
Clinicians Who Use This Resource Also Use
References And Further Reading
- Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. International University Press.
- Fennell, M. J. V. (1997). Low self-esteem: A cognitive perspective. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 25(1), 1-26.
- Padesky, C. A. (1990). Schema as self-prejudice. International Cognitive Therapy Newsletter, 6(1), 6-7.
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