Unworthiness Undone: Cultivating a Mindset of Self-Acceptance

illustration of a man with sunken head representing feelings of unworthiness

In a quaint town, there lived an artist whose hands danced with colors and whose imagination knew no bounds. This artist, Emilia, painted landscapes so vivid and portraits so lifelike they seemed almost ready to step out of the canvas. Despite extraordinary talent, Emilia was clouded by relentless feelings of unworthiness, seeing her art as … Read more

Basking in Reflected Glory (BIRGing)

Picture yourself standing next to a celebrity at a gala event, grinning from ear to ear as photographers capture the moment. You’re not the star, but for a brief moment, you feel like one, don’t you? This emotional high is more than just a fleeting thrill; it taps into a psychological phenomenon known as “Basking … Read more

Coopersmith’s Self-Esteem Inventory: A Modern Take

illustration of a researcher standing in front of a board with graphs

Given its profound impact on an individual’s life trajectory, the accurate assessment of self-esteem is paramount for both clinical and educational settings. Among the diverse tools devised for this purpose, Coopersmith’s Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) emerges as a time-tested instrument. The SEI, developed by Stanley Coopersmith in the 1960s, has been instrumental in providing a structured, … Read more

Self-Acceptance: Transforming Self-Judgment into Self-Compassion

illustration of a woman smelling flowers, representing the idea of accepting ourselves just the way we are

Once upon a chilly morning in a quaint little town, nestled between rolling hills and meandering rivers, lived Eleanor. The dawn broke with a soft glow, casting a warm hue over the sleepy town. Eleanor, a gentle soul with eyes that held the depth of the night sky, embarked upon her daily ritual of self-reflection … Read more

Facebook, Instagram & The Teen Self-Esteem Crisis: Unpacking the 41-State Lawsuit Against Meta

Forty states and the District of Columbia have sued Meta, alleging that the company knowingly designed Facebook and Instagram in ways that can harm teenagers, particularly that Meta’s own researchers devoted to teen wellbeing believed that the product could, for vulnerable users, really exacerbate existing mental health problems. This lawsuit follows revelations from a Wall … Read more

Approval Seeking: Breaking Free from the Maze of External Validation

illustration of a woman bowing her head seeking approval from someone else

Imagine for a moment that you’re navigating a labyrinthine maze with towering walls and narrow, winding passageways. With each step, you’re greeted by signs—some pointing toward “Acceptance,” others toward “Rejection.” Your heart pounds as you make each decision, partly guided by the ever-watchful eyes painted on the walls, their gaze following your every move. It’s … Read more

More Money, More Self-Esteem? (New 2023 Study)

illustration of a confident wealthy woman and limousine representing the idea that higher income is connected to higher self-esteem

Past research has shown that people who make more money tend to have higher self-esteem. But it’s not clear which comes first – does having more money lead to higher self-esteem? Or does higher self-esteem drive people to earn more? This study aimed to understand how changes in income and self-esteem are connected within individuals … Read more