Six attitudes among Individuals with Unhealthy Self-Esteem

‘Maladaptive perfec- tionism’ is also associated with unhealthy self-esteem. Normal perfectionists are reasonable and realistic about self-expectations and usually perform with a realization of their limitations and strengths. Maladaptive per- fectionists demand of themselves a higher level of performance than it is usually possible to attain (Rice, Ashby, & Slaney, 1998, pp. 304-305). Since their…

Acting-out Your Anger is Self-Destructive

Acting-out is a defense mechanism in which the person acts without reflection or apparent regard for its negative consequences (DSM III, 1987 p.394). George E. Vaillant (1992) explains that it “involves the expression of feelings, wishes, or impulses in uncontrolled behaviour with apparent disregard for personal or social consequences” (p.253). Therefore it is the mode…

Shame cluster & self-Esteem

Some emotions are closer to each other at their experiential level. They share some commonalities, perhaps in expressions, in physiological activities, in the nature of antecedents or in the appraisal process. Therefore, they naturally form a ‘family of feelings’ (Ekman, 1992, p. 172) or a ‘cluster of emotions’. Shame, embarrassment, shyness and doubt form such…

Positive Face of Pride

Ancient philosophical and religious views considered pride as one of the seven deadly sins to be avoided in life. But recent psychological researchers have found that the emotion of pride has also a positive face. They broadened the horizon of such feelings with variations like hubris, confidence and arrogance, and gradually influenced the moral judgement…