Maria Franco, a psychologist and author of the book "Value: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment," has explored methods for increasing self-esteem through the reconstruction of negative memories. She states that updating a distressing memory can help improve one's sense of self-worth.
Reconstructing Memories and Its Impact on Self-Esteem
Franco says that one effective way to boost self-esteem is to revisit difficult memories. This approach is based on the theory of memory reconstruction, which has emerged from the research of Karim Nader, a behavioral neuroscience scientist. She explains that by revisiting memories and providing comfort to oneself, emotions can be allowed to pass through from within, thereby reducing their negative impact on one's self-perception.
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In one of her talks, Franco highlighted the benefits of good self-esteem and shared exercises to enhance one's sense of self-worth. She says, "Memories do not just record the past; they also predict the future." In this regard, she advises individuals to imagine themselves as children and return to that time to provide themselves reassurance.
Effective Techniques for Improving Self-Esteem
Franco refers to one of her memories where, as a child, her mother arrived late to her soccer practice. She explains how this experience led to feelings of embarrassment and difference from others. By reconstructing this memory, she reassures herself as an adult that "You are safe, I care about you, and I will never leave you alone." This method helps her to feel a greater sense of self-worth.
Franco emphasizes that addressing low self-esteem is very important, as negative emotions can disrupt a person's ability to appreciate the beauties of life. She states, "You can experience great successes and still feel like a failure. Low self-esteem can prevent you from fully absorbing the good things in your life."
This conversation with Franco and her presented techniques can help individuals struggling with low self-esteem to feel better about themselves and achieve greater peace in life.
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Source: npr.org
