Increasing self-esteem through participation in a goal-attainment program

Abstract

High and low self-esteem Ss were placed in one of three treatment conditions. Those in the goal-attainment condition were instructed to keep a daily list of the extent to which they complied with each of 10 goals. The goals concerned increasing sociability, improving interpersonal relations, and enhancing individual achievement. A self-esteem questionnaire was administered before and after 3 weeks of engaging in this activity. Low self-esteem Ss showed a significant increase in self-esteem. Ss did not show an increase in self-esteem in two other conditions, one that we labeled an “indulgence condition” and one in which people went through three counseling sessions. High self-esteem Ss enjoyed the goal-attainment condition the most of the three activities. Low self-esteem Ss enjoyed it the least–even though it was the only condition to increase self-esteem.