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Self-Esteem and Self-Criticism Worksheets & Exercises

Self-esteem is the degree to which we evaluate ourselves positively. It refers to a person’s global appraisal of his or her value based upon the scores that persons gives themselves in different roles and domains of life (Harter, 1999; Markus & Nurius, 1986; Rogers, 1981). Low self-esteem does not appear as a separate diagnostic category in either the DSM-5 or ICD-10, although it is associated with a wide range of mood and anxiety disorders including depression and social anxiety. There are two cognitive behavioral models of self-esteem that clinicians will find provide useful therapeutic interventions. Psychology Tools has a range of self-esteem exercises. Read more
Self-Esteem and Self-Criticism Worksheets & Exercises
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"Should" Statements

“Should” statements (sometimes referred to as ‘musturbation’, ‘necessitous thinking’, ‘self-commands’, and ‘injunctions’) are char ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/should-statements

Am I Experiencing Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a condition characterized by preoccupation with perceived flaws or faults in physical appearance that are not notice ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/am-i-experiencing-body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd

Am I Experiencing Low Self-Esteem?

Low self-esteem is characterized by holding oneself in low regard. Am I Experiencing Low Self-Esteem? is an indicative screening questionnaire designe ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/am-i-experiencing-low-self-esteem

Assertive Responses

Being able to communicate assertively is an essential skill for developing and maintaining healthy relationships and positive self-esteem. Individuals ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/assertive-responses

Attention Training Experiment

Self-focused attention can make people less likely to see their social performance in a positive light, and contributes to the maintenance of social a ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/attention-training-experiment

Audio Collection: Psychology Tools For Developing Self-Compassion

Psychology Tools For Developing Self-Compassion is an audio collection which guides clients through an empirically-supported programme of compassionat ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/psychology-tools-for-developing-self-compassion-audio-collection

Behavioral Experiment

Behavioral experiments are planned experiential activities to test the validity of a belief. They are one of the most powerful techniques available to ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/behavioral-experiment

Behavioral Experiment (Portrait Format)

Behavioral experiments allow individuals to test the validity of their beliefs and assumptions. They are a core experiential technique for therapeutic ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/behavioral-experiment-portrait-format

Boundaries - Self-Monitoring Record

Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emo ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/boundaries-self-monitoring-record

Challenging Your Negative Thinking (Archived)

NOTE: An improved version of this resource is available here: Evaluating Unhelpful Automatic Thoughts. Older versions of a resource may be archived in ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/challenging-your-negative-thinking

Coercive Methods For Enforcing Compliance

Individuals who have experienced abuse often focus on their own actions (or inactions) and blame themselves for their own abuse. This client informati ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/coercive-methods-for-enforcing-compliance

Cognitive Behavioral Model Of Low Self-Esteem (Fennell, 1997)

Low self-esteem is characterized as a negative sense of the self and co-occurs with many other mental health problems. Although not formally represent ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/cognitive-behavioral-model-of-low-self-esteem-fennell-1997

Cognitive Distortions – Unhelpful Thinking Styles (Common)

Cognitive distortions (or ‘unhelpful thinking styles’) are ways that our thoughts become biased. Different cognitive biases are associated with di ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/cognitive-distortions-unhelpful-thinking-styles-common

Cognitive Distortions – Unhelpful Thinking Styles (Extended)

Cognitive distortions (or ‘unhelpful thinking styles’) are ways that our thoughts become biased. Different cognitive biases are associated with di ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/cognitive-distortions-unhelpful-thinking-styles-extended

Compassionate Thought Challenging Record

Thought challenging records are commonly used in CBT to help people to evaluate their negative automatic thoughts for accuracy and bias. This Compassi ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/compassionate-thought-challenging-record

Court Trial Thought Challenging Record (Archived)

NOTE: An improved version of this resource is available here: Thought Record - Courtroom Trial. Older versions of a resource may be archived in the ev ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/court-trial-thought-challenging-record

Discounting In Perfectionism – The Ratchet Effect

When individuals with perfectionism successfully meet their demanding standards, these accomplishments are often discounted as “easy to do,” “no ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/discounting-in-perfectionism-the-ratchet-effect

Disqualifying The Positive

This Disqualifying the Positive information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists work more ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/disqualifying-the-positive

Evaluating Unhelpful Automatic Thoughts

The Evaluating Unhelpful Automatic Thoughts guide is written for clients who struggle with negative automatic thoughts. It provides a comprehensive in ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/evaluating-unhelpful-automatic-thoughts

Evaluating Your Demanding Standards

Striving to meet demanding standards can be a rewarding process and lead to significant gains. However, demanding standards can also have adverse cons ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/evaluating-your-demanding-standards

Exploring Your Demanding Standards

The Exploring Your Demanding Standards worksheet is designed to help clients examine a demanding standard, including its advantages and disadvantages. ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/exploring-your-demanding-standards

Fortune Telling

The Fortune Telling information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists to work more effective ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/fortune-telling

Hindsight Bias

Hindsight bias describes the tendency that people have – once an outcome is known – to believe that they predicted (or could have predicted) an ou ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/hindsight-bias

Identifying Your Demanding Standards

Striving to meet demanding standards can be a rewarding process and lead to significant gains (e.g., praise, social status, financial rewards, etc.). ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/identifying-your-demanding-standards

Labeling

Identifying negative automatic thoughts and reappraising unhelpful thinking is a core element of cognitive therapy. Teaching clients to recognize the ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/labeling

Low Self-Esteem - Self-Monitoring Record

Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emo ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/low-self-esteem-self-monitoring-record

Low Self-Esteem Formulation

Fennell’s cognitive behavioral model of low self-esteem proposes that negative beliefs about the self are maintained by biased information processin ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/low-self-esteem-formulation

Motivational Systems (Emotional Regulation Systems)

At the heart of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an evolutionary model of human motivational systems. Developed by Paul Gilbert it is a helpful len ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/motivational-systems-emotional-regulation-systems

Negative Thoughts - Self-Monitoring Record

Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emo ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/negative-thoughts-self-monitoring-record

Overgeneralization

The Overgeneralization information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists to work more effect ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/overgeneralization

Perfectionism Self-Monitoring Record

Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emo ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/perfectionism-self-monitoring-record

Positive Core Belief Evidence Record

Core beliefs are deep-rooted, global, and absolute judgments about oneself, other people, and the world. According to the cognitive model, activated c ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/positive-core-belief-evidence-record

Positive Qualities Record

This Positive Qualities Record is a specific type of positive data log designed for working with clients with low self-esteem. It aims to help individ ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/positive-qualities-record

Reciprocal CBT Formulation

CBT therapists often describe finding it difficult to apply CBT skills when clients bring relational problems to therapy. Familiar methods of visu ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/reciprocal-cbt-formulation

Rumination - Self-Monitoring Record

Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emo ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/rumination-self-monitoring-record

Rumination Diary (Archived)

NOTE: An improved version of this resource is available here: Rumination – Self-Monitoring Record. Older versions of a resource may be archived ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/rumination-diary-archived

Self Critical Thought Challenging Record

Disputing thoughts is a critical skill in cognitive therapy. The Self-Critical Thought Challenging Record helps clients to identify and challenge thei ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/self-critical-thought-challenging-record

Self-Blame

The Self-Blame information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists to work more effectively wi ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/self-blame

Self-Criticism - Self-Monitoring Record

Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emo ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/self-criticism-self-monitoring-record

Self-Criticism Self-Monitoring Record (Archived)

NOTE: An improved version of this resource is available here: Self-Criticism Self-Monitoring Record. Older versions of a resource may be archived in t ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/self-criticism-self-monitoring-record-archived

Social Comparison

The Social Comparison information handout forms part of the cognitive distortions series, designed to help clients and therapists to work more effecti ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/social-comparison

Therapy Blueprint (Universal)

A therapy blueprint is CBT tool which summarizes the work a therapist and patient have completed together. It represents the past (the problems, what ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/therapy-blueprint-universal

Understanding Low Self-Esteem

Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are co ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/understanding-low-self-esteem

Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition): Client Workbook

The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition) comes in two volumes. This page is for the Client Workbook. ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unified-protocol-for-transdiagnostic-treatment-of-emotional-disorders-second-edition-client-workbook

Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition): Therapist Guide

The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Second Edition) comes in two volumes. This page is for the Therapist Guide. ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unified-protocol-for-transdiagnostic-treatment-of-emotional-disorders-second-edition-therapist-guide

Unmet Emotional Needs

Unmet emotional needs can give rise to early maladaptive schemas, and other forms of maladaptive coping. This Unmet Emotional Needs handout forms part ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unmet-emotional-needs

What Are Schemas?

Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and peoples’ characteristic responses to them, refer ... https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/what-are-schemas

Links to external resources

Psychology Tools makes every effort to check external links and review their content. However, we are not responsible for the quality or content of external links and cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time.

Assessment

Exercises

  • Group exercises for improving self esteem

Guides and workbooks

  • Combating self-criticism
  • Building Self-Esteem – A Self-Help Guide | SAMHSA
  • Self-esteem: Boosting your self-esteem | Donna Gilroy | 2004
  • Issues with self-esteem? | Wellbeing Services South Glasgow
  • How to increase your self-esteem | Beth Murphy, Sam Challis, Mind | 2013

Information Handouts

Information (Professional)

Self-Help Programmes

Worksheets

Recommended Reading

CBT approach

  • Fennell, M. J. V. (2004). Depression, low self-esteem, and mindfulness. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42, 1053-1067

COMET approach

  • Staring, A. B. P., van den Berg, D. P. G., Cath, D. C., Schoorl, M., Engelhard, I. M., & Korrelboom, C. W. (2016). Self-esteem treatment in anxiety: A randomized controlled crossover trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) versus Competitive Memory Training (COMET) in patients with anxiety disorders. Behaviour research and therapy, 82, 11-20
  • Korrelboom, K., Marissen, M., & van Assendelft, T. (2011). Competitive memory training (COMET) for low self-esteem in patients with personality disorders: A randomized effectiveness study. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 39(01), 1-19
  • Korrelboom, K., de Jong, M., Huijbrechts, I., & Daansen, P. (2009). Competitive memory training (COMET) for treating low self-esteem in patients with eating disorders: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 77(5), 974
  • Korrelboom, K., van der Weele, K., Gjaltema, M., & Hoogstraten, C. (2009). Competitive memory training for treating low self-esteem: A pilot study in a routine clinical setting. The Behavior Therapist.
  • Brewin, C. R. (2006). Understanding cognitive behaviour therapy: A retrieval competition account. Behaviour research and therapy, 44(6), 765-784

CBT approach

  • McManus, F., Waite, P., & Shafran, R. (2009). Cognitive-behavior therapy for low self-esteem: a case example. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 16(3), 266-275
  • Fennell, M. J. V. (1998). Cognitive therapy in the treatment of low self-esteem. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 4, 296-304
  • Fennell, M. J. (1997). Low self-esteem: A cognitive perspective.Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy,25(1), 1-26.
  • Markus, H., & Nurius, P. (1986). Possible selves.American Psychologist,41(9), 954.

What Is Low Self-Esteem?

Signs and Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem can be associated with the following behaviors or experiences:

  • high levels of self-criticism
  • ignoring or downplaying positive qualities
  • comparison of self to others and negative self-judgment
  • use of negative words to describe self
  • dismissal of positive achievements as ‘luck’ or ‘fluke’
  • difficulty accepting compliments

Psychological Models and Theory of Low Self-Esteem

Melanie Fennell published a cognitive behavioral protocol for low self-esteem in 1997. The model is grounded in Aaron Beck’s cognitive model of emotional disorders. It assumes that, based upon what they have experienced, people form beliefs or assumptions about themselves, others, and the world. When activated, these beliefs and assumptions give rise to negative automatic thoughts which in turn lead to negative affect, and behavior. Fennell describes a self-perpetuating vicious circle whereby negative thoughts lead to painful affect and self-defeating behaviors such as avoidance or withdrawal, which act to maintain and reinforce the thoughts and underlying beliefs.

Kees Korrelboom has developed a protocol for increasing self-esteem through a program of Competitive Memory Training (COMET: Korrelboom, van der Weele, Gjaltema, & Hoogstraten; 2009; Korrelboom, de Jong, Huijbrechts, & Daansen, 2009; Korrelboom, Maarsingh, & Huijbrechts, 2012). The COMET protocol is intended for people who know that their negative self-judgment is too severe but who nevertheless continue to view themselves negatively. The model draws upon Brewin’s retrieval competition theory of memory (Brewin, 2006, 2015) where information to be retrieved ‘competes’ for attention. A less accurate negative version of the self (e.g.,‘I’m pathetic’) might ‘win’ a competition against an alternative view (‘I’m kind and competent’) by nature of being reinforced/​practiced. COMET aims to assist accurate views of the self to ‘win’ the retrieval competition by systematically building up and rehearsing an accurate view of the self.

Evidence-Based Psychological Approaches for Working with Low Self-Esteem

Cognitive behavioral interventions for low self-esteem have been tested in a number of small trials and indicate generally favorable results (Hall & Tarrier, 2003; Morton, Roach, Reid, & Stewart, 2012; Waite, McManus, & Shafran, 2012).

The COMET protocol has been used to improve self-esteem in a variety of conditions including depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. The trials indicate generally positive results with medium to large effect sizes on indices of self-esteem (Korrelboom et al., 2009, 2009, 2012).

Resources for Working with Low Self-Esteem

Psychology Tools resources available for working therapeutically with low self-esteem include:

References

  • Brewin, C. R. (2006). Understanding cognitive behaviourtherapy: A retrieval competition account. BehaviourResearch and Therapy, 44(6), 765–784.
  • Brewin, C. R. (2015). Reconsolidation versus retrieval competition: Rival hypotheses to explain memory change in psychotherapy. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 38, e4. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X14000144
  • Fennell, M. J. V. (1997). Low self-esteem: A cognitive perspective. Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 25(1), 1–26.
  • Hall, P. L., & Tarrier, N. (2003). The cognitive-behavioral treatment of low self-esteem in psychotic patients: A pilot study. BehaviourResearch and Therapy, 41(3), 317–332.
  • Harter, S. (1999). The construction of the self: A developmental perspective. New York: Guilford Press.
  • Korrelboom, K., van der Weele, K., Gjaltema, M., & Hoogstraten, C. (2009). Competitive memory training for treating low self-esteem: A pilot study in a routine clinical setting. The Behavior Therapist,32, 3–8.
  • Korrelboom, K., de Jong, M., Huijbrechts, I., & Daansen, P. (2009). Competitive memory training (COMET) for treating low self-esteem in patients with eating disorders: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,77(5), 974–980.
  • Korrelboom, K., Maarsingh, M., & Huijbrechts, I. (2012). Competitive memory training (COMET) for treating low self‐esteem in patients with depressive disorders: A randomized clinical trial.Depression and Anxiety, 29(2), 102–110.
  • Markus, H., & Nurius, P. (1986). Possible selves. American Psychologist, 41(9), 954–969.
  • Morton, L., Roach, L., Reid, H., & Stewart, S. H. (2012). An evaluation of a CBT group for women with low self-esteem.Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy,40(2), 221–225.
  • Rogers, T. B. (1981). A model of the self as an aspect of the human information processing system. In N. Cantor & J. F. Kihlstrom (Eds.), Personality, cognition, and social interaction(pp. 193–213). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
  • Waite, P., McManus, F., & Shafran, R. (2012). Cognitive behaviourtherapy for low self-esteem: A preliminary randomized controlled trial in a primary care setting. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 43(4), 1049–1057.