In this article Dr. Spier argues the concept of self-worth, self-esteem, self-love, and self-regard has become so popular that their absence has become a diagnostic criterion for psychiatric disorders. This article argues that this popularity is not based on empirical research or proof of correlation, and that these concepts should be abandoned as they tend to pathologize people unnecessarily. Self-esteem cannot be recreated in therapy, and the pursuit of self-esteem in psychology has little or no therapeutic value. Instead, therapists should encourage courage and motivate patients to make small and consistent changes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.