Exploding the Self-Esteem Myth

Scientific American On-Line ^ | January 2005 | Roy F. Baumeister, Jennifer D. Campbell, Joachim I. Krueger and Kathleen D. Vohs

[ml1954]

Well said.

[mlmr]

SELF-ESTEEM Bogus


SELF-CONTROL Priceless

[TChris]

Trying to right inappropriate behavior or improve academic achievement by raising self-esteem is like trying to cause the sun to rise by increasing the heat and light in the room.

[jackbob]

ping

[Bushbacker]

I've known too many people who have thought far far too well of themselves...

[Born Conservative]

[P.O.E.]

IMHO, "self-esteem" = "pride", and isn't that one of the seven deadly sins?

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

"...sheer commonsense reflex brings laughter to the lips and a clod in the hand to heave at the speaker"

or brings a heave to the lips in reflex action to the clod of a speaker....

[jokar]

Somethings you have peel off a couple layers before the BS becomes apparent. But somethings, as soon as you hear them, sheer commonsense reflex brings laughter to the lips and a clod in the hand to heave at the speaker.

Clap Clap clap. Well said. Well said.
The emperors, have no clothes.

Truth be known, they fear the sting of your laugher more than the sting of your stone.

[moog]

People who are busy accomplishing something don't have time to worry about their self-esteem.

Good point. I haven't seen the self-esteem stuff that people think is so prevalent in at least ten years. I certainly haven't seen it in the schools in the 9 years I have taught. It is indeed a myth.

[moog]

I agree with you which is why we as teachers set goals with the kids. My big one is to have all of them read on grade level by the end of the school year. The great majority make it and those who don't are close. The last two years everyone has.

[trueblueconservative]

I always thought 'self-esteem' was supposed to be what the Bible meant by 'love thy neighbor as thyself'.
Think about it. Doesn't say it's wrong to have self-esteem, just doesn't put you above anyone else.
IMHO.

Sure has gotten twisted and distorted though.

[P.O.E.]

Never thought of it that way - kind of like "mutual and self-respect". But I tend to think of "esteem" as prideful, and "respect" as a bit more deferential.