The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

Branden, the author of The Psychology of Self-Esteem and perhaps the best-known guru of self-esteem, here presents a sensible guide to daily living. First defining and explaining self-esteem, he then isolates six pillars of this characteristic: self-acceptance, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, personal integrity, living consciously and living purposefully. Readers will find his emphasis on responsibility and self-reliance a refreshing change from trendy self-help guides that shift blame for personal shortcomings onto a neglectful parent or an alcoholic spouse. Branden also includes an analysis of cultural factors that inhibit self-esteem and suggests guidelines for parents, teachers, employers, psychotherapists and others who are instrumental in fostering this behavioral quality. A 3l-week program and a reading list round out the guide. First serial to New Woman. (Feb.)