Self-belief, self-love, self-confidence... These are all facets of self-esteem, a basic aspect of the human personality, which results from our self-image and how we judge ourselves. Many of the psychological difficulties encountered in daily life — such as the inability to communicate or to feel at ease — may be explained by problems of self-esteem. Most cases of anxiety, depression and complexes also have their roots in inadequate self-esteem. This book was conceived to provide individual readers with clear answers and practical advice, often through tests. The book is constructed along three main axes: – Self-diagnosis: discovering and evaluating one’s self-esteem (is it high or low?); testing its solidity (is it stable or vulnerable?). – Understanding the mechanics of self-esteem: how is self-esteem constructed and how does it develop in childhood and adolescence? What problems can inadequate self-esteem lead to, at school and at home? What role does it play later on, in an adult’s professional and personal relations? – Learning how to maintain and repair one’s self-esteem: what tactics are not conducive to the protection of one’s self-esteem? How can self-esteem be developed? When should therapy be considered? Christophe André and François Lelord are psychiatrists, psychotherapists and company consultants. They are the co-authors of two earlier works published by Editions Odile Jacob, Comment Gérer les Personnalités Difficiles (1996; in the “Poches Odile Jacob” series, 2000) and La Force des émotions (2001). In addition, Christophe André is the co-author, with Patrick Légeron, of La Peur des autres (1995 and 2000; “Opus” series, 1998). François Lelord is the author of Les Contes d’un psychiatre ordinaire (1993; “Opus” series, 1995; “Poches Odile Jacob”, 2000).