The genesis and nature of self-esteem

Self-esteem is defined as a positive image of oneself based on a fair appraisal of one's assets and liabilities. It represents a longitudinal as well as a transactional, cognitive phenomenon that is considered to be a key target area for all forms of psychotherapy. The construct of self-esteem is preferred to the model of the "conflict-free sphere" of Ego psychology since in the author's opinion it provides a broader observational platform and a potentially more reliable source for clinically valid data. Clinical illustrations of the vicissitudes of self-esteem are offered. The primary purpose of this article is to encourage the systematic exploration of self-esteem as a means of better understanding a vital ingredient of human behavior without making it the exclusive focus in psychotherapeutic activities.