title: Self-esteem and self-acceptance: an examination into their relationship and their effect on psychological health.
abstract: Nurses are increasingly using cognitive behaviour therapy as an intervention for psychological problems attached to a variety of clinical conditions. Developing both self-acceptance and self-esteem have been identified as ways to enhance cognitive interventions. However, there are disagreements about the relationship between self-esteem and self-acceptance and their influence on psychological health. The study examined the relationship between these concepts and also the association between the concepts and psychological health. Fifty-eight participants with a diagnosis of severe and enduring mental health problems were assessed recording levels of self-esteem, self-acceptance, depression, anxiety and psychological well-being. The results revealed that, in comparison with the general population, the sample were more likely to have lower self-acceptance and self-esteem, and higher levels of anxiety, depression and psychological ill health. The concepts of self-esteem and self-acceptance were found to be similar but not synonymous. Self-esteem was more closely associated with affect, with higher levels of self-esteem being indicative of lower levels of depression. Self-acceptance appeared to be more closely associated with general psychological well-being and to be more helpful when undertaking clinical work for general psychological problems.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, UK. dlm2@canterbury.ac.uk
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: MacInnes
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008960:Models, Psychological; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires