Reconsidering the Self-Esteem Movement

February 27, 2007

Joe,

I think I’ll get to my further thoughts on Judgment tomorrow. I just read an article and felt compelled to post some thoughts…or more accurately, some quotes. Obviously I don’t have to tell you about the negative effects of the self-esteem movement. But I was encouraged to read this article on CNN’s website, which shows that even secular psychologists are seeing the damage of the self-esteem (non) gospel. A few exerpts:

NEW YORK (AP) — Today’s college students are more narcissistic and self-centered than their predecessors, according to a comprehensive new study by five psychologists who worry that the trend could be harmful to personal relationships and American society.

“We need to stop endlessly repeating ‘You’re special’ and having children repeat that back,” said the study’s lead author, Professor Jean Twenge of San Diego State University. “Kids are self-centered enough already.”

And the researchers have a good idea what has caused this upsurge in self-absorption:

The researchers traced the phenomenon back to what they called the “self-esteem movement” that emerged in the 1980s, asserting that the effort to build self-confidence had gone too far.

As an example, Twenge cited a song commonly sung to the tune of “Frere Jacques” in preschool: “I am special, I am special. Look at me.”

“Current technology fuels the increase in narcissism,” Twenge said. “By its very name, MySpace encourages attention-seeking, as does YouTube.”

One last short clip:

Campbell said the narcissism upsurge seemed so pronounced that he was unsure if there were obvious remedies.

“Permissiveness seems to be a component,” he said. “A potential antidote would be more authoritative parenting. Less indulgence might be called for.”

Of course we know the real solution: a breathtaking sight of the matchless glory of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God slain for the sins of the world, and triumphantly risen and seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High. It is sad that, as the secular world begins to see the dead end of self-esteem, that so many in the Church are still proclaiming improved self-worth as the pathway to true happiness. When will we learn?

Larry

Posted by Larry | Filed Under Links