Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Crucial Issue of Defining Self-Esteem

..... The Importance of Defining Self-Esteem

..... The Major Definitions

..... Self-Esteem as Competence

..... Self-Esteem as Worthiness

..... Self-Esteem as Competence and Worthiness

..... Two Factors, the Original Definition of Self-Esteem, and Everyday Life

..... An Existentially Based Two-Factor Definition of Self-Esteem

Chapter 2: Self-Esteem Research Problems and Issues

..... The Major Paradoxes of Self-Esteem

..... Problems Associated with Assessing Self-Esteem

..... Special Problems Generated by Studying Self-Esteem Scientifically

The Problem of Scientific Paradigms and Researching Self-Esteem

..... Methodological Advances in Researching Self-Esteem

..... Integrated Description

..... The Question of Validity and Self-Esteem Research

Chapter 3: Major Self-Esteem Research Findings

..... Parental Factors Affecting Self-Esteem

..... Self-Esteem and Values

..... Self-Esteem and Social Factors

..... The Sources of Self-Esteem

..... The Paradoxes Revisited

..... Self-Esteem as Traits and States: Basic Types and Levels

..... Practical Research Findings: Enhancing Self-Esteem

Chapter 4: Major Self-Esteem Theories and Programs

..... General Perspectives on Self-Esteem

..... Major Contemporary Empirically Based Theories of Self-Esteem

..... Epstein's Cognitive Experiential Self-Theory

..... Harter's Developmental Approach

..... An Existential View: Terror Management Theory

..... The Evolutionary Approach: Sociometer Theory

..... Major Self-Esteem Enhancement Programs

Chapter 5: A Meaning-Based, Two-Factor Theory of Self-Esteem

..... The Function of Self-Esteem as Meaning-Making

..... The Basic Types of Self-Esteem

..... Refining the Types: Integrating Levels of Self-Esteem

..... Low Self-Esteem

..... Defensive Self-Esteem

..... High Self-Esteem

..... The Development of Self-Esteem

..... Reexamining the Link between Self-Esteem and Behavior

Chapter 6: Competence and Worthiness Training (CWT)

..... Enhancing Self-Esteem in the Group Setting

..... Week 1: Focusing Phase

..... Week 2: Awareness Phase (Appreciating Self-Esteem)

..... Week 3: Enhancing Phase (Increasing Worthiness)

..... Week 4: Enhancing Phase (Increasing Competence)

..... Week 5: Management Phase (Maintaining Self-Esteem)

..... Enhancing Self-Esteem in the Individual Setting

..... Validity Revisited

Chapter 7: Self-Esteem and Positive Psychology

..... What is Positive Psychology?

..... The Original (Humanistic) Positive Psychology

..... Self-esteem and Humanistic Psychology

..... The New (Positivistic) Positive Psychology

..... Self-Esteem and Positive Psychology

..... Applied Positive Psychology, Self-Esteem, and CWT

.....Appendix: Self-Esteem Enhancement 5-Week Program

.....References

.....Index

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