Self-Esteem Research, Theory, and Practice Toward a Positive ...

A Two-Factor Self-Esteem Enhancement Program 191Therefore, we have two objectives here. One is building the foundationfor a focused and supportive group. This aim involves facilitating a senseof interest, comfort, and purpose so that individuals feel safe but ready towork. This goal represents quite a clinical challenge because it requiresthe facilitators to have the skills necessary to achieve rapport quickly. Theother goal is to raise consciousness of self-esteem and its role in our livesbecause the research shows us that this should be the first task in anygood, systematic self-esteem enhancement program. Ideally, the result ofthis initial meeting is to come to a common ground in terms of what definitionsare being used in the program and what kinds of work the groupwill be doing together. The aim is to help each member leave the sessionfeeling excited about coming back and stimulated to learn more aboutself-esteem at the next meeting.MaterialsTaken together, all of the handouts in the appendix form the basis for aself-esteem workbook. The materials that are offered in the appendix arepresented here in the order in which they are used week-by-week, so thatthe clinician knows what to prepare before each session and how to usethe corresponding materials.1. Week 1—Handout 1: Self-Esteem Enhancement: ProgramAnnouncement. This statement simply makes it known that theprogram is available. It is circulated among colleagues, topotential patient populations, or to the general population,depending on the setting in which one is going to be working.The announcement also makes it clear that the group is workingon self-esteem and not on other issues. The information may bewritten on professional stationery and modified as needed.2. Week 1—Handout 2: Activity Schedule. This handout is the basicroad map of the program, allowing people to see where they aregoing if they participate in the program.3. Week 1—Handout 3: Group Guidelines and Expectations. Thishandout consists of the rules governing the group and theinteraction between its members. The guidelines are intended tohelp establish a supportive, respectful code of conduct. They canalso be helpful in confronting and limiting destructive orinappropriate behavior. The information is intended to facilitatethe group process, encourage pro-self-esteem behavior, andaddress some possible ethical issues in advance.4. Week 1—Handout 4: Defining Self-Esteem. The first stage of astandard enhancement program concerns increasing one’s