Confidence builders: a self-esteem group at an inpatient psychiatric hospital

1. Many people with mental illness experience low self-esteem. They tend to minimize their own positive attributes, strengths, and abilities, making it difficult to accept positive feedback. 2. As an alternative to the one-to-one relationship, the Self-Esteem Group provides a situation in which self-esteem can be increased through constructive social interactions, trust, and support from group members. 3. Structured exercises, which encourage sharing and development of positive aspects of self, were completed by group members during each session. These exercises made it easier for group members to focus ideas, feelings, and experiences related to the topic for discussion.