Episode 77. Boosting Self-Esteem

We all know that high self-esteem is supposed to be good, but what is it, anyway? Is it just feeling good about yourself? What happens if you or a loved one has low self-esteem? In this episode, we define self-esteem and discuss an interesting theory of how self-esteem is a "sociometer" of our value in society. From this perspective, we give tips on how to boost self-esteem in yourself and your loved ones.

• The Sociometer Theory of Self-Esteem
• Hoyle, R. H., Kernis, M. H., Leary, M. R., & Baldwin, M. W. (1999). Social psychology series. In Selfhood: Identity, esteem, regulation. Boulder, CO, US: Westview Press.

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