Includes bibliographical references and index.

Abstract: The lives and happiness of millions of women have been constricted because of lack of self-esteem. This comprehensive approach to self-esteem and women's experience discusses possible answers to several questions: How and why have so many women come to see themselves as less able, less bright, less valuable than they really are? What effects does lack of self-esteem have on an individual woman's psychological health, relationships, work performance, and attitudes toward others? What effects does low self-esteem among large numbers of women have on women as a group - politically, economically, and socially? Specific suggestions are also made as to what women can do to increase their self-esteem and take more control of their lives, thus making their own existences happier and more fulfilled. The book is divided into 4 parts. Part 1 explains why self-esteem is important and identifies the most common self-esteem problems found among women. Part 2 examines how women's self-attitudes are shaped by interpersonal relationships with family members, friends, lovers and spouses, and women's own children. In Part 3, the further shaping of women's self-attitudes are explored by looking at the influence of the larger world: religions, schools, work experiences, and government, among others. Part 4 focuses on the common ways low self-esteem is manifested in women's individual psychology; some of the problems examined are: emotional suppression and depression, self-fulfilling prophecies, negative body image, and hatred of others. References for each chapter are found in the Notes section.

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