Self esteem has been a buzzword in the 1990s but what exactly is self esteem? How is it formed? Can self esteem be raised? How? This book addresses these questions and includes specialized chapters on children, gender, transitions, parents' self esteem, and measurement of self esteem. Many people want to change how they feel about themselves but do not believe they can. This book instills hope by devising a blueprint for change and the tools and resources to change. It presents five phases--self awareness, assimilating positive beliefs, modifying or eliminating negative beliefs, identifying and improving skill deficits, and integration--and provides the basis for successfully enhancing self esteem. Interventions are outlined to bring together cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral theory and methods. This book is designed as a textbook for courses, workshops, and seminars and serves as a resource for teachers, counselors, and clergy as well as individuals interested in self-improvement. More than 100 activities with specific procedures and anticipated outcomes are included. Each of the 10 chapters provides references. Three appendixes provide lists of resources including children's books, video and audio. An index is included. (MKA)