Date of Award
Spring 5-12-2023
Document Type
Project (696 or 796 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Counseling
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Taryn Akgul
Keywords
Self-Esteem, Children, Group Manual, School Counseling Interventions
Abstract
An individual’s self-esteem is the lens through which that person views themselves in all aspects of their life. Self-esteem is present throughout the lifespan but generally fluctuates and is impacted by various internal and external factors. The self-esteem of children and adolescents, however, is especially critical because it sets the foundation for self-esteem throughout adulthood and is related to both positive and negative life outcomes. Counseling interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, positive psychology and mindfulness have been shown to be effective for improving self-esteem in this population (Zhong et al., 2021; Su & Swank, 2019; Larking & Thyer, 1999; Wisner et al., 2010; Marshall et al., 2013; Liu et al., 2021; Owens & Patterson, 2013; German, 2013). The Elementary Students Self-Esteem Group discussed in this paper strives to increase the self-esteem of group members by utilizing a combination of psychoeducation, positive psychology, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. This group curriculum is 8 weeks in length with each session taking place during the school day for 30 minutes. Psychoeducation at the start of the group will help students understand what self-esteem is, what impacts self-esteem and examining their own self-esteem. Subsequent sessions use various interventions to help challenge negative self-concepts, positively reframe thoughts and behaviors relating to self-esteem and pinpoint unique characteristics that students like about themselves. Other interventions that will be addressed include social skills development and emotion regulation.
Recommended Citation
Wanner, Alexis Lee, "Addressing Self-Esteem: A Counseling Group Manual for Upper Elementary Students" (2023). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 837.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/837