Matthew McKay PhD

Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem

$14.00
Last updated Sep 23, 2026 at 2:54am
Matthew McKay PhD

About this product

If you struggle with low self-esteem, or you’re seeking positive and effective ways of building a healthy sense of self-worth, this much-anticipated fourth edition of the best-selling classic by Matthew McKay is your go-to guide. This fully revised edition features an innovative application of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to self-esteem, and utilizes updated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you create positive change and thrive. Circumstances and status can affect self-esteem—many factors can contribute to the way we see ourselves—but the one contributing factor that all people who struggle with low self-esteem have in common is our thoughts. Of course we all have a better chance of feeling good about ourselves when things are going well, but it’s really our interpretation of our circumstances that can cause trouble, regardless of what they are. This revised and updated fourth edition of the best-selling Self-Esteem uses proven-effective methods of CBT and relevant components of ACT to help you raise low self-esteem by working on the way you interpret your life. You’ll learn how to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy self-esteem, how to uncover and analyze negative self-statements, and how to create new, more objective and positive self-statements to support your self-esteem rather than undermine it. And with cutting-edge material on defusion and values, you’ll learn to let go of judgmental, self-attacking thoughts and act in accordance with what matters to you most, enhancing your sense of self-worth. If you struggle with low or unhealthy self-esteem, this new edition of Self-Esteem, packed with evidence-based tips and techniques, has everything you need to improve the way you see yourself for better overall well-being. Read more

Editor's Take

Amazon reviewers say this edition is well-written, easy to read, and packed with useful exercises and practical CBT-style guidance. Several readers describe it as informative, structured well, and helpful for understanding why people think and act the way they do.

On Goodreads, many readers praise it as a thorough, uncomplicated self-help guide with clear steps for examining self-criticism and rebuilding a healthier self-image. Reddit discussion in a book review thread also reflects a positive impression, with one poster noting a strong Amazon rating and recommending it to others interested in self-esteem work.

Across the reviews that surfaced, the main strengths are the book’s clarity, actionable exercises, and therapy-friendly approach. A few comments also frame it as especially useful for readers working on self-awareness, self-talk, and cognitive distortions.

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Product Details

Publisher New Harbinger Publications
Publication date August 1, 2016
Edition Fourth Edition, Revised
Language English
Print length 376 pages
ISBN-10 1626253935
ISBN-13 978-1626253933
Item Weight 2.31 pounds
Dimensions 1.18 x 6 x 9 inches
Best Sellers Rank #31,280 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #233 in Self-Esteem (Books) #362 in Happiness Self-Help
Customer Reviews 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,498)

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