what can neuroscience can tell us about self esteem

Neuroscience suggests self-esteem is shaped by how we think about ourselves, how we interpret challenge, and how much our self-worth depends on other people.

• Positive self-affirmation: Saying positive things about yourself aloud may lift mood and help counter habitual negative self-talk; Suzuki describes affirmations such as “I am strong” and “I believe I will succeed.” 1
• A stable sense of self: In relationships, feeling better about yourself without relying entirely on a partner’s praise may provide more stable ground for self-worth. 2
• Reappraising stress as growth: Interpreting difficulty and stress as signs that you are learning or expanding your limits may support self-regard. In a study discussed on the show, a combined growth-mindset and stress-is-enhancing intervention was associated with a 40% improvement in self-regard. 3