Mindfulness for Cultivating Self-Esteem

Abstract

Self-esteem is said to be a fundamental and pervasive human need. Humans are motivated to maintain high self-esteem and engage in efforts to protect their self-esteem when it comes under threat. High self-esteem is a positive personal resource and is generally related to a wide range of positive life outcomes. It is therefore important to consider factors that may enhance self-esteem. Here, we argue that mindfulness may be useful to cultivate self-esteem and, in particular, secure self-esteem as opposed to fragile high self-esteem. We begin with an overview of the benefits of healthy self-esteem and costs of low self-esteem. We then argue that individuals high in dispositional mindfulness may have greater capacity for secure high self-esteem. Evidence from clinical and experimental studies examining associations between mindfulness and self-esteem is reviewed next. We conclude with a discussion of the use of mindfulness-based interventions for the cultivation of healthy self-esteem and an outline of directions for future research.