Self-esteem myth

A research project at Purdue University compared two groups of individuals, one with low self-esteem and the other with high self-esteem, in regard to problem solving.  The results of the study once more explodes the myth that high self-esteem is a must for mankind.  The results of the study were reported by one of the two researchers assigned to the project.  He says, “Self-esteem is generally considered an across-the-board important attitude, but this study showed self-esteem to correlate negatively with performance.”  He concludes by stating that in that particular study, “The higher the self-esteem, the poorer the performance.”

     Martin & Deidre Bobgan, Psychoheresy, Eastgate Publishers, 1987 p.60