Self-Esteem Research, Theory, and Practice : Toward a Positive Psychology of Self-Esteem, Third Edition

Dr. Mruk has produced a highly readable new edition of his original work on an often misunderstood psychological construct--self-esteem. Mruk's view that self-esteem is a critically important influence on psychological adjustment and quality of life is now an accepted tenet in personality theory. Lack of self-esteem is frequently a precursor to depression, suicidal behavior, and other personality disorders. Nonetheless, the clinical diagnosis of self-esteem problems has lacked the basis of an overarching theory. Dr. Mruk's comprehensive analysis distills the literature on self-esteem into practical and reliable treatment methods for both clinicians and researchers. The new edition contains updated research and current terms, and addresses the self-esteem "backlash." He concludes with worksheets and detailed guidelines for conducting self-esteem building workshops. Added features include: Major theories of self-esteem Chapter on the new positive psychology 150 new references Dr. Mruk has developed a writing style that is successfully oriented toward both academic and clinical audiences in the areas of counseling, education, nursing, psychology, and social work, thus providing much-needed information for teachers, students, and practicing clinicians in a clear, concise way. Cover......Page 2 TOC Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 10 Acknowledgments......Page 12 Introduction......Page 14 CH Chapter 1 The Crucial Issue of Defining Self-Esteem......Page 16 The Central Issue of Defining Self-Esteem......Page 23 Types of Definitions......Page 25 A Two-Factor Definition of Self-Esteem and the World of Everyday Life......Page 38 A Phenomenological, Meaning-Based Approach to a Two-Factor Definition......Page 42 Major Self-Esteem Paradoxes......Page 46 Problems with Assessing Self-Esteem......Page 52 Problems Generated by Using the Scientific Method......Page 56 The Problem of Scientific Paradigms and Self-Esteem Research......Page 61 The Question of Validity and Researching Self-Esteem......Page 71 CH Chapter 3 Major Self-Esteem Research Findings......Page 78 Parental Factors......Page 79 Self-Esteem and Values......Page 83 Gender and Self-Esteem......Page 86 Racial, Ethnic, and Economic Factors Affecting Self-Esteem......Page 87 Cultural Orientation and Self-Esteem......Page 89 The Sources of Self-Esteem......Page 90 Paradoxes Revisited......Page 95 “Good” Self-Esteem Assessment Instruments......Page 111 Effective Self-Esteem Enhancement Techniques......Page 112 CH Chapter 4 Major Self-Esteem Theories and Programs......Page 122 Traditional Theoretical Approaches......Page 123 Contemporary Empirically Based Approaches......Page 130 Major Self-Esteem Enhancement Programs......Page 142 The Function of Self-Esteem as Meaning Making......Page 164 The Basic Types of Self-Esteem......Page 166 Refining the Types: Integrating Levels of Self-Esteem......Page 171 The Development of Self-Esteem......Page 184 Reexamining the Link between Self-Esteem and Behavior (Co-Constitution)......Page 195 CH Chapter 6 A Two-Factor Self-Esteem Enhancement Program......Page 202 Enhancing Self-Esteem in the Group Setting......Page 203 Enhancing Self-Esteem in the Individual Setting......Page 234 Validity Revisited......Page 237 CH Chapter 7 Self-Esteem and Positive Psychology......Page 242 Self-Esteem and the Original, Humanistic Positive Psychology......Page 244 The New Positivistic Positive Psychology......Page 247 Similarities and Differences between the Two Positive Psychologies......Page 249 Humanistic Response......Page 252 Self-Esteem and Positive Psychology......Page 255 Appendix: Self-Esteem Enhancement 5-Week Program......Page 272 References......Page 286 IDX Index......Page 300

Dr. Mruk has produced a highly readable new edition of his original work on an often misunderstood psychological construct--self-esteem. Mruk's view that self-esteem is a critically important influence on psychological adjustment and quality of life is now an accepted tenet in personality theory. Lack of self-esteem is frequently a precursor to depression, suicidal behavior, and other personality disorders. Nonetheless, the clinical diagnosis of self-esteem problems has lacked the basis of an overarching theory. Dr. Mruk's comprehensive analysis distills the literature on self-esteem into practical and reliable treatment methods for both clinicians and researchers. The new edition contains updated research and current terms, and addresses the self-esteem "backlash." He concludes with worksheets and detailed guidelines for conducting self-esteem building workshops.

Added features include:

• Major theories of self-esteem
• Chapter on the new positive psychology
• 150 new references

Dr. Mruk has developed a writing style that is successfully oriented toward both academic and clinical audiences in the areas of counseling, education, nursing, psychology, and social work, thus providing much-needed information for teachers, students, and practicing clinicians in a clear, concise way.

Dr. Mruk Has Produced A Highly Readable New Edition Of His Original Work On An Often Misunderstood Psychological Construct - Self-esteem. Mruk's View That Self-esteem Is A Critically Important Influence On Psychological Adjustment And Quality Of Life Is Now An Accepted Tenet In Personality Theory.--jacket. Ch. 1. The Crucial Issue Of Defining Self-esteem -- Ch. 2. Self-esteem Research Problems And Issues -- Ch. 3. Major Self-esteem Research Findings -- Ch. 4. Major Self-esteem Theories And Programs -- Ch. 5. A Meaning-based, Two-factor Theory Of Self-esteem -- Ch. 6. A Two-factor Self-esteem Enhancement Program -- Ch. 7. Self-esteem And Positive Psychology -- App. Self-esteem Enhancement 5-week Program. Christopher J. Mruk. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 271-283) And Index. In addition to the sound research findings, theory, and practice information that you have come to depend on with the past two editions, the third edition of Self-Esteem Research, Theory, and Practice brings with it much newly revised and updated information to reflect the changes in the field of self-esteem at large. New key features include: * New major theories of self-esteem * New chapter on the new positive psychology * 150 new references * Written in a clear, concise style.