Building Self-esteem Research Articles

Camp within a Camp: A Unique Experience for Burn Survivors

Burn Camp experiences help young burn survivors overcome obstacles with body image and low self-esteem due to scarring. Our Burn Center sees few children ages seven to seventeen, the ages normally participating in a camping experience. Since we have low numbers, it is not reasonable to reserve an entire camp for a week. If we offer experiences at existing burn camps, some families would have to travel more than eight hours to get their child to camp, which most families neither have the time or resources to do. In response, we explored and provided an alternate experience to traditional burn camp. Five years ago, an agreement was made with an established centrally located camp to provide camping experiences for burn survivors age seven to fifteen. The agreement allows the burn survivor camp to run in tandem with another camp, alleviating the problem of not having enough campers to fill an entire camp. We are responsible for the burn camp curriculum which focuses on self-esteem building, while the other campers engage in Christian study. Everyone comes together for meals and activities. The ages of the burn survivors and other campers are the same, allowing all to blend together. The camp staff is shared. Transportation to and from camp is provided.

Adolescents and Adults to Build Self-Esteem

There is evidence suggesting that the way a group is described and viewed can impact on the selfconcept and self-esteem of the members of that group. People with a learning disability have often been perceived in negative ways by others and they may also use downwards comparison themselves, i.e. comparing themselves favourably to others perceived to be inferior, in order to increase their own self-esteem.

E-motion Picture Magic: A Movie Lover's Guide to Healing and Transformation

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Book ReviewsFull AccessE-motion Picture Magic: A Movie Lover's Guide to Healing and TransformationJune Wilson, R.N., M.A.June WilsonSearch for more papers by this author, R.N., M.A.Published Online:1 Feb 2006https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.57.2.276AboutSectionsView EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Film can be a powerful medium. Films can draw us out of ourselves and into another character, and when they are watched with conscious awareness—and self-exploration—healing and transformation can occur. This is the core premise of E-motion Picture Magic: A Movie Lover's Guide to Healing and Transformation, a comprehensive book that can be used as a self-help book or used by therapists as an adjunct to therapy. The author, Birgit Wolz, Ph.D., a psychotherapist with extensive experience with using film as a therapeutic tool, brings her knowledge about and passion for film to the book.Watching a film with conscious awareness or increased awareness allows the viewer to be in touch with his or her emotions, whether these emotions are desired or undesired. Our reactions to film characters can provide self-awareness and further our personal growth. In addition, how or when a movie resonates with us is often as important as how or when a movie does not move us.Wolz introduces practical questions with which to increase conscious awareness and become a more astute observer: Do you remember your feelings and sensations, or whether your breathing changed throughout the movie? Notice what you liked and what you did not like or even hated about the movie. Which characters or actions seemed especially attractive or unattractive to you? Did you identify with one or several characters? Were there one or several characters in the movie that modeled behavior that you would like to emulate? Did you experience something that connected or reconnected you with certain values, virtues, or capacities or inner wisdom, or your higher self, as you watched the film or immediately after? Did anything in the movie touch you? The fact that a character or a scene moved you might indicate that your subconscious mind is revealing information that might guide you toward healing and wholeness.The book's chapters include "Using Movies to Release Negative Beliefs," "Building Self-Esteem, Grief, and Transformation," "How Film Characters Affect Us," "Self-Discovery Through Film Characters," "Powerful Tools for Healing and Growth," and "Creating a Cinematherapy Group." In addition, a comprehensive film index that includes recommended films for inspiration, personal questions, social questions, children, adolescents, families, and couples, as well as symptoms of mental illness and addiction and physical illness or medical issues, will be an invaluable asset for anyone who is interested in film and therapy. Some of the movies suggested for working on self-esteem and self-awareness are The Other Sister (1999), Nell (1994), My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), Good Will Hunting (1997), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Ordinary People (1980), Bounce (2000), Courage Under Fire (1996), Seabiscuit (2003), A Beautiful Mind (2002), and Billy Elliot (2000).Wolz possesses a deep understanding of why films are such a rich source of personal insight and self-discovery, and she articulates this clearly in E-motion Picture Magic. This book is different from other books that address the therapeutic use of film, because it incorporates visualization exercises and cognitive-behavioral guidelines that challenge one's beliefs and encourage behavior change, in addition to film recommendations for personal growth. The book will likely appeal to individuals who want to use films to enhance their self-discovery, as well as psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, or any other mental health professional who has a desire to learn more about the power of film.Ms. Wilson is a doctoral student in media psychology at the Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California.by Birgit Wolz, Ph.D.; Glenbridge Publishing, 2004, 230 pages, $23.95 FiguresReferencesCited byDetailsCited ByNone Volume 57Issue 2 February 2006Pages 276-276 Metrics History Published online 1 February 2006 Published in print 1 February 2006

Building Self-Esteem in the Early Years

This article looks at the practical ways of building self-esteem in the early years. It describes the concepts of self-esteem and characteristics of children with high self-esteem and those with low self-esteem. The practical ways of building self-esteem are discussed under the five essential components of self-esteem pointed out by Reasoner and Dusa (1991), which include sense of security, identity, belonging, purpose, and personal competence. Key words: self-esteem, sense of security, sense of identity, sense of belonging, sense of purpose, sense of personal competence

Handling emerging health needs among a migrant population–factors associated with suicide attempts and suicide ideation among female street sex workers in Hong Kong

Summary Objective To examine factors in the work environment that are linked to the suicidal process among female street sex workers (FSSWs) in order to suggest interventions that would be appropriate among this marginalized group. Design Cross-sectional survey of female street sex workers in Hong Kong. The questionnaire contained questions regarding quality of life, health status, working environment, suicide ideation, mental health, as well as other personal and family characteristics. A number of statistical models were used to analyze this rich set of cross-sectional data. Results More than a quarter of the women surveyed reported to have considered or attempted suicide, nevertheless the specific timing of their suicide attempts was unclear. Accounting for background characteristics, factors that were inherent to the sex industry were significantly associated with poor psychological health and suicidality. Experience of stigma and previous employment experience prior to involvement in sex work were also highly correlated with increased incidence of suicide attempts. On the other hand, the presence of dependents and experience of social support were associated with lower probability of suicidality. Conclusion Our study suggests that a number of areas (e.g., increased emphasis on health education and promotion, self-esteem building, assertiveness training and client advocacy) warrant attention among health professionals practicing in the Asian region, particularly among mental health nurses.

LEARNING OR THERAPY? THE DEMORALISATION OF EDUCATION

ABSTRACT: Contemporary educational goals place increasing emphasis on conferring recognition and building self-esteem for people deemed to be marginalised and vulnerable. Such goals coalesce with the language, symbols and practices of therapy inscribed within a broader ‘therapeutic ethos’. The paper relates these trends to broader cultural demoralisation about people's potential for human agency and evaluates their effects on educational debates. A therapeutic ethos in education appears benign and empowering. Yet, the paper argues that it produces a diminished view of people and low expectations about people's capacity for resilience and autonomy. One effect is to encourage an alignment between the values and activities of education and welfare. This both legitimises and extends institutional and government influence over people's psychological and emotional states. The paper explores these trends and evaluates their implications for educational ideas about human agency.

In Her Image

Fostering a positive body image and building self-esteem are major goals for art therapy with adolescent and pre-adolescent females. The perception of body image, identity formation and self-esteem are closely linked in this population. Therefore, at this critical time in their physical and psychological development, a special art therapy program that encourages females to express feelings about body image may be important in promoting awareness and self-confidence.Accordingly, an art therapy program was developed and implemented which focused on developing a positive body image and enhancing self-esteem for adolescent females. The participants were seven students aged 13-14 who attended weekly art therapy groups for eight weeks. Pre and post intervention comparisons were made on measures of body image and self-esteem. Significant improvements in rated body image and self-esteem were noted after participation in the art therapy group. The present findings suggest that participation in the art therapy group may significantly contribute to improved body image and self-esteem and hence the academic and psychological adjustment of adolescent girls.

Notes from the Back of the Room: Problems and Paradoxes in the Schooling of Young Black Students

This article examines common teacher practices and black elementary-age students' responses to these practices in considering processes of social reproduction in schools. In an ethnographic study of two all-black schools, the author found that both schools expressed a strong commitment to creating a positive and self-affirming learning environment for black students, with an explicit emphasis on building self-esteem as a means of enhancing academic performance. However, both schools also unwittingly undermined that commitment by suppressing what were deemed inappropriate behaviors and conveying messages of black cultural deviance to students in the interest of discipline and conformity to particular mainstream cultural norms

MH Advocates Hope Outreach Benefits Youth on Probation

MH Advocates Hope Outreach Benefits Youth on Probation

Book Review: Celebrating Diversity: Building Self-Esteem in Today's Multicultural Classroom. By Frank Siccone. Ally Bacon, Needham Heights, MA

Book Review: Celebrating Diversity: Building Self-Esteem in Today's Multicultural Classroom. By Frank Siccone. Ally Bacon, Needham Heights, MA

Integrated Movement Therapy™: Yoga-Based Therapy as a Viable and Effective Intervention for Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders

Integrated Movement Therapy™ is an individual and group therapy approach that combines speech-language pathology, behavioral and mental health counseling,and Yoga. It is taught by master-degreed therapists who are also certified Yoga instructors. Although this approach has been successfully implemented with children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD), Learning Disabilities, Pervasive Developmental Delay, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Dyspraxia,and other specific motor-based disorders, it has had especially consistent and remarkable results with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Integrated Movement Therapy has six core principles:structure and continuity, social interaction, language stimulation, self-calming, physical stimulation, and direct self-esteem building. The following article will describe Autism Spectrum Disorders in depth and will show how each of the six core principles of Integrated Movement Therapy specifically addresses the characteristics associated with Autism. It will also note specific, documented improvements in all areas addressed based on qualitative ratings scales and parent feedback.

HIV/AIDS knowledge and self-esteem among adolescents.

The incidence of HIV/AIDS is rapidly increasing among adolescents and young adults with some studies linking sexual risk taking and self-esteem. A convenience sample of 39 ethnically diverse adolescents, ages 14-18, participated in a pilot study designed to assess HIV/AIDS knowledge and to build self-esteem. Adolescents selected from two centers in California completed the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Student Health Questionnaire (SHQ) before beginning and after completing a program of six 2-hour educational sessions. These sessions focused on HIV/AIDS knowledge and building self-esteem. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission increased by 2096 from pretest to posttest. Practitioners addressing the needs of adolescents should focus on in-depth information regarding HIV/AIDS, especially in the area of prevention strategies and cultural factors influencing levels of self-esteem.

Anorexia Nervosa: A Qualitative Analysis of Parents' Perspectives on Recovery

The author examined parents' views of their daughters' recovery from Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 mothers, 8 fathers, 9 recovered anorectics, and 1 sibling. Analyses revealed a grounded theory consisting of 4 phases arising from 13 substantive codes. The phases are reacting, acting, maintaining, and preventing. Within the reacting phases the substantive codes are struggling to understand, recognizing lack of knowledge, fearing angry responses, and realizing it is a family problem. The acting phase codes are preparing, confronting, and turning point. The substantive codes within the maintaining phase are accepting, making changes, and being flexible, and within the preventing phase the codes are cluingin strategies, self-esteem building, and educating. A core theme, “awakening,” involving psychological and social variables, was found within all phases.

Psychosocial factors associated with dieting behaviors among female adolescents.

This study determined whether female adolescents who were attempting weight loss (dieters) differ from those who were not (nondieters) with respect to a set of psychosocial factors. The sample consisted of 2,536 normal-weight and underweight female adolescents who participated in the National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Survey. Psychosocial factors examined included depression (four measures), self-esteem, trouble in school, school connectedness, family connectedness, sense of community (two measures), grades, autonomy, and protective factors. MANCOVA revealed significant differences between dieters and nondieters. Self-esteem was the strongest contributing factor differentiating dieters and nondieters. These results have implications for health education and health promotion with regard to both primary and secondary prevention. Self-esteem building should be incorporated within the parameters of a comprehensive school health program and certainly should be a component in any nutrition education program aimed at preventing unhealthy dieting behaviors. By understanding the factors associated with these behaviors, it may be easier to identify individuals attempting weight loss despite being of normal or low body weight.

Raising Our Athletic Daughters: How Sports Can Build Self-Esteem and Save Girls’ Lives

Raising Our Athletic Daughters: How Sports Can Build Self-Esteem and Save Girls’ Lives

Building Self-Esteem Through Social Skills Training and Cultural Awareness: A Community-Based Approach for Preventing Violence Among African American Youth

In West Tennessee, the Juvenile Court Report indicated that African American male youths were six times as likely to be referred on aggravated assault charges, and were taken into protective custody four times as often as their white counterparts. This study aimed to help lessen the likelihood of African American male youths' involvement with the juvenile justice system by: (a) assisting them in developing positive self-esteem; (b) teaching them decision-making and conflict resolution skills; and (c) exposing them to their culture and heritage. A sample of 122 African American male students were drawn from public schools in West Tennessee. The Stephan-Rosenfield Racial Attitude Scale and Banks Attitude Scale were used to assess students' level of self-esteem. Findings revealed that the mean scores on participants' concept of their physical characteristics and ethnic identity improved at post-program, whereas attitudes toward their neighborhood and school did not. Only students within the age range 10–11 years showed an improvement in their mean scores for physical self-concept and attitude towards African Americans relative to those in 8–9 and 12–14 age categories. Lessons learned and implications for violence prevention programs for at-risk populations are discussed.

Empathy, Self-Esteem, and the Adolescent Sexual Offender

Though empathy training is routinely utilized in the treatment of adolescent sexual offenders, there has been little research to support the link between a lack of empathy and sexual offending. Alternatively, self-esteem building is not as frequently incorporated into treatment. This paper reports our exploration of these two variables as predictors of sexual offense. Offenders' (N = 84) scores on a general measure of empathy were no lower than the scores of nonoffenders (N = 113), although their self-esteem scores were significantly lower. Correlation and regression analyses of empathy and self-esteem with relevant background variables tended to support our findings and the validity of our measures. Ambiguities in the conceptualization of empathy may retard our understanding of its usefulness as a treatment and its power as a predictor of sexual offense. Although limitations in study design point to the need for additional sophisticated research, low self-esteem may be a contributor to adolescent sexual offending and may serve as a target for treatment of these youthful offenders.

Building Self-esteem in Children

Building Self-esteem in Children

Book Review: Building Self-Esteem for Decision Making: A Handbook for Parents and Educators of Young Learners

Book Review: Building Self-Esteem for Decision Making: A Handbook for Parents and Educators of Young Learners

Identity, Recovery, and Religious Imperialism

Cultural disintegration and the resulting loss of self-esteem have acted as precursors for rampant substance abuse in indigenous American communities. Especially at risk are Native women, who have little recognition in the dominant culture, but whose traditional roles of respect have also dwindled with forced acculturation. Just when a wave of reconversion (going "back to the blanket") is taking hold among Native women substance users/abusers, the even more prevalent commercialization of Indian religion and pseudo-religion are denigrating these recaptured sources of dignity and pride. This "religious imperialism" doesn't just parody true Native faiths; it robs Native women in recovery of the self-esteem building tool which has proven most effective. It also continues the appropriation of indigenous culture which further serves to undermine coming generations of Native American women.