Self-esteem and irrational beliefs: An exploratory investigation with implications for counseling.

In a group-testing situation, 251 university students completed the Irrational Beliefs Test and the Janis-Field Feelings of Inadequacy Scale. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were calculated for all variables, and a common multiple regression procedure was used to calculate the standardized parameter estimates for the prediction models. A significant negative correlation was found between self-esteem and irrational beliefs. Four specific beliefs were useful predictors of low self-esteem: demand for approval, high self-expectations, anxious overconcern, and problem avoidance. These beliefs may prove to be important targets for counselors working with clients experiencing low self-esteem. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)