From the "Well, that's unhelpful" department...

[torquill]

"Positive thinking's negative results: For some people, optimistic thoughts can do more harm than good."

Apparently, the advice from a whole load of self-help books -- to use positive thinking and affirmations to increase low self-esteem -- can actually drive down self-esteem levels in people who already have trouble thinking good things about themselves. It's a phenomenon I've observed before, but the explanation these people have for it makes a great deal of sense.

It still leaves me wondering "well, what should people do about increasing self-esteem, then?"... but I suspect that rather depends on the individual. I know what worked for me, and there are other things which work for others -- but just willing yourself to have a better self-image may actually backfire.

Comments

[doktor-weasel.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I've always been hostile to the idea of just telling yourself positive things to improve self image. If I believed those things I wouldn't have a negative self image. So by repeating unbelievable things, I'm just lying to myself. And the thing about lying to yourself, is you know that you're being lied to. I resent people who lie to me.

[luna-torquill.livejournal.com]

Totally unrelated: the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden's Titan arum is blooming today (Tuesday). If you have the time, you could go over and have a... smell, I suppose. :) It started opening Monday night, so it should be fully open by visiting hours.

I think the door fee is $7, I'm not entirely sure. But the Garden is the one just below LBL and the Lawrence Hall, on Centennial. Bring quarters or small bills for parking.