The Impact of Cognitive Therapy on Self Esteem: Psychology Essay

This essay investigates the impact of cognitive therapy on self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and related psychological factors. It examines the relationship between self-esteem, extraversion, and emotional expression, drawing upon the studies of Wu et al. (2018) and May (2013) to understand the effects of cognitive therapy on emotional expression and ego conflicts, and the prevention of self-destructive behaviors. The essay analyzes the role of cognitive therapy, specifically Cognitive Emotional Behavior Therapy (CEBT), in improving self-esteem by addressing thought processes. It explores how changes in extraversion, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem can influence emotional expression, sociability, and mental health outcomes. Additionally, the essay delves into Freud's theories of ego conflict and traumatic neurosis, examining the concept of the stimulus barrier and the death instinct in relation to self-destructive behaviors. The analysis supports the hypothesis that improving self-esteem through cognitive therapy can positively impact emotional well-being and reduce the likelihood of self-destructive behaviors.

Running head: Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
Improving Self Esteem and Emotional Intelligence with Cognitive Therapy
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
Introduction:
Self esteem plays a vital role in the mediation of emotional expression and
extraversion. A high self esteem has been linked to a higher propensity of expressing
emotions, and thus with higher levels of extraversion (Wu et al., 2018). Also, personality
traits such as extraversion can also be linked to better social interaction, and an improved
perception of self and thus a better emotional intelligence. The Freudian ideas of the conflict
between ego and super ego can also be linked to a cognitive dissonance, creating a traumatic
neurosis, which increases the risks of self destructive behavior among people. The objective
of the assignment is to understand as to whether by improving self esteem; it is possible to
mediate an improvement in emotional expression as well as in the prevention of self
destructive behavior. The studies by Wu et al. (2018) and May (2013) are utilized to
understand the relations between self esteem and emotional intelligence, with a) emotional
expression and extraversion and b) ego conflicts and traumatic neurosis, as well as in the
continuance of self destructive behavior. The article will analyze each of these two studies,
and support/contradict the findings with other studies, to find if such assumptions can be
ascertained, and also to identify a strategy for treatment or intervention based on evidences.
Research Hypothesis:
By improving self esteem, it is possible to improve extraversion and emotional
intelligence and thus emotional expression and also it can help to reduce traumatic neurosis
by reducing ego conflict and ego impairment.
Self esteem can be improved through Cognitive Therapy such as Cognitive Emotional
Behavior Therapy (CEBT) where the focus of the therapy can be to understand the thought
processes which causes low self esteem, and how that can be improved.

2Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
Description of Affects and Effects:
Affects can be understood as the process of making a difference to something (a
verb). This means a factor can affect the outcome of a process, while effect is the outcome
itself, that is that change that has occurred as a result of an action (noun) or process of
making something happen (verb). In this context, the Effect is considered as the outcome
(noun) and affect as the factor or process that is causing the change.
Change in Extraversion-
Wu et al. (2018) suggested that Extraversion is an affect which influences emotional
expression. It acts as a moderator and mediator of emotional expression. Their studies have
drawn upon evidences that show a connection between personality traits like extraversion,
dominance and charisma on emotional expression (Friedman, 1979). Other studies have also
shown that extraversion actually predicts emotional expression, that is, evidence of
extraversion can be taken as an indicator for emotional expressiveness. This signifies a
positive correlation between these factors. An increase in extraversion can be linked to an
increase in emotional expressiveness. Seguin and Hipson (2016) also suggested that
extraversion has positive correlation with several aspects of emotional intelligence. Based on
such assumption, Wu et al. (2018) also hypothesizes that Emotional Intelligence affects self
esteem, thereby causing the effect of Emotional Expression. A change in Extraversion
therefore can change emotional expression (as a direct effect). Wu et al. (2018) also
suggested that improvement in emotional expression can also cause an increase in
extraversion and also improve the levels of sociability. Tse and Kwon (2017) studied the role
of extraversion on depressive symptoms and resilience factors namely emotional openness
and social support. They pointed out that extraversion as well as emotional openness and

3Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
social support was related to lower depressive symptoms. This showed that extraversion and
emotional openness can have positive psychological effects, and help to reduce depression.
Change in Self Esteem-
Wu et al. (2018) also suggested that self esteem moderates the influence of
extraversion on emotional expression; this shows that self esteem can influence a change on
emotional expressiveness. Zeng and Zhang (2012) have also found that there exists a positive
correlation between self esteem and emotional expression. That is, an increase in self esteem
can cause an increase in emotional expression. Other studies have also found that repression
of emotional expression can cause a low self esteem. Studies by Lin et al. (2016) also
proposed that the tendency of expressing positive emotions (such as joy and happiness) is
related with a high self esteem, and low depression levels as well as low anxiety levels. That
is to say, high levels of self esteem can effect extraversion and also improve emotional
expression, particularly expression of positive emotions, and also indirectly cause a reduction
in depression and anxiety levels. Dou et al. (2016) also proposed that self esteem has a
mediating role between self efficacy and emotional expression. Wu et al. (2018) thus
suggested that by improving self esteem, extroversion can be increased indirectly by
increasing the emotional expression, more specifically, by increasing the expression of
positive emotions. This is supported by the studies that show increase in emotional
expression of positive emotions can lead to increased extraversion.
Change in Emotional Intelligence-
Studies by Edgar et al. (2012) emotional intelligence and personality variables can
affect the understanding of natural emotional expression. This highlights the important role
emotional intelligence plays in the process of expression of emotions. Thus it can also be
presumed that emotional intelligence can also have an effect on self esteem as well as on

4Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
extraversion (by affecting emotional expression). Study by Cheung et al. (2015) also
suggested that a positive correlation exists between emotional intelligence and extraversion,
based on which Wu et al. (2018) hypothesized that emotional intelligence can moderate the
indirect effect of extraversion on emotional expression. This suggests that change in
emotional intelligence can cause change in emotional expression, and thus in this process can
also cause a change in extraversion in people. Furthermore, in doing so, can also help to
improve sociability, reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety. Such can have positive mental
health outcomes. Abdollahi et al. (2016) suggested that self esteem and emotional
intelligence can influence the factors that can reduce social anxiety. They studied 520
university students using self report measures, to study the relation between self esteem, body
esteem, emotional intelligence and social anxiety. Their findings showed that low self esteem
and body esteem as well as low emotional intelligence was related to social anxiety reported
by the participants. This showed that a decrease in self esteem can cause an increase in social
anxiety, and a decrease in emotional intelligence can be associated with a low self esteem.
Ego Conflict-
May (2013) analyzed the theory of traumatic neurosis presented by Sigmund Freud,
and supports it with the theories of ego and superego as the mental apparatus. The author
proposed that the conflict between ego and super ego can cause ego impairment, which then
leads to traumatic neurosis. It was proposed by Freud that there were not one but two egos,
and they are in constant conflict with each other. This conflict further impairs its functional
ability, and thus resulting in the compromise of the stimulus barrier. According to the
American Psychological Association (APA), stimulus barrier affects the ego processes
through affecting the attention and concentration of individuals, and thus acting as a barrier
towards emotional stimulus (psycnet.apa.org, 2018). In other words, Stimulus Barrier can be
understood as a protective shield against stimuli (Esman, 1983). The precursors of the image

5Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
of these two egos have been described by Freud in his works “on Narcissism” (1914) and
“Mourning and melancholia” (1917). And in ‘uncanny’ (1919), he introduced the idea of the
double ego, which was further emphasized in the study of Group Psychology. These two egos
were named ego and superego. May (2013) suggested that these two egos can threaten,
control and even overwhelm each other at times but can also co exist harmoniously.
Considering such a standpoint, it can be assumed that traumatic neurosis is the effect of the
breakdown of the stimulus barrier, which is caused due to ego conflict which causes
impairment of the egos.
Traumatic Neurosis-
As pointed above, the works of Freud was cited by May (2013) to explain that
Traumatic Neurosis is the effect of the breakdown of the stimulus barrier, or the ‘protective
sphere’ that shields the emotional well being of individuals. This breakdown of the barrier
can be understood to lead to the clash of the two egos. Traumatic neurosis mentioned here is
different from spontaneous neurosis, as the traumatic neurosis is related to the conflict of the
egos, unlike spontaneous neurosis. Thus traumatic neurosis has been considered as the
‘affliction of the egos’ May (2013). Freud also proposed that traumatic neuroses were not
under the control of the pleasure principles. Here pleasure principles refers to the Freudian
concept which suggests the instinctive seeking of pleasure, avoidance of pain and
gratification in order to satisfy the psychological and biological needs of the individuals.
Freud proposed that the unpleasant and traumatic experiences of dreams or nightmares can be
of experiences which were once pleasurable. It is therefore possible for experiences that are
unpleasurable or traumatic to be recalled in a way that defies therapeutic processing and
modification. This shows the importance of emotional therapies to focus on how events are
remembered by people. This can also affect the process of repetition of tasks, creating
compulsive behaviors, which are based on the memories of past experiences which incites

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unpleasurable emotions, and prevents the possibility of getting pleasure. In other words, an
unpleasant recollection of a past memory can lead to compulsive behaviors, due to a feeling
of being devoid of pleasure and repression of instincts. This phenomenon seems to be able to
override the pleasure principles and thus can lead to traumatic neurosis. This can also be
supported by the studies of de Silva (1999) who proposed that traumatic experiences can lead
to Obsessive Compulsive Disorders. Collins (2015) studied signs of traumatic neurosis
among British aviators and soldiers who fought in the First World War The author pointed
out that even though the British aviators were portrayed as strong, masculine courageous
soldiers, there were still exposed to risks of psychological stress (apart from the obvious risks
to the physical well being), which could be related to delusionments due to the effects of
wartime leadership as well as the portrayal of soldiers by the media as strong individuals.
This caused the development of a belief that symptoms of emotional and traumatic stress is
an indicator of weak physical and moral character. Collins (2015) proposed that such
stigmatization of emotional trauma prevented them to seek adequate help, and on the long run
this resulted in the development of traumatic neurosis (over prolonged and reputed exposure
to trauma and by the building of memories that reduces the senses of pleasure among the
individuals.
Death Instinct-
Freud explained the Death Instinct as the instincts which leads to death or self
destructive behavior and it functions oppose the instinctual and sexual drives of people (that
is it goes opposite to the pleasure principles) and thus it does not support self preservation. It
was also proposed that the Death Instinct is the effect of Sadism, and is forced away or forced
out of the ego by a narcissistic libido. Such assumptions can thus be used to support the fact
that death instinct as a condition or an effect of a self destructive behavior, which is caused
due to a dissonance of the egos (that is a clash between the egos) thereby causing a

7Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
dissonance with the pleasure principles. This in turn sustains the self destructive behavior and
repetitions of such behavior. May (2013) support that death instinct helps in the sustenance of
destructive behavior. It can thus be assumed that by reducing death instincts, self destructive
behavior can also be reduced. Fennell (2016) proposed that self destructive behaviors can be
reduced though the improvement of self esteem, while Tangley et al. (2018) proposed that a
high level of self control can be seen as a precursor of good adjustment, less pathology and
interpersonal success, while low self control, can be related to an increased risks of
compulsive behavior. Also a higher self esteem was linked to less self destructive behavior
such as alcohol abuse, binge drinking or eating and also helps to improve interpersonal skills
and foster better relations. This proves that by increasing the self esteem, it is possible to
indirectly prevent death instinct by reducing self destructive behavior.
The Treatment:
Background:
From the studies of Wu et al. (2018) it could be assumed that by improving self
esteem, it is possible to increase emotional expression and thus also increase extraversion,
and also by developing self esteem, the emotional intelligence can also be developed, which
indirectly can also increase emotional expression and extraversion. From the analysis of the
Freudian theories of ego, superego, ego conflict, traumatic neurosis and self destructive
behavior studied by May (2013), it was identified that death instinct and self destructive
behavior can be sustained due to the presence of traumatic neurosis, which in turn is
maintained due to the breakdown of the emotional barrier, resulting from the conflict of the
egos. This also causes delineation from the pleasure principles as the individual becomes
more prone to continue the self destructive behavior, and override the pleasure ego. Fennell
(2016) also proposed that by improving self esteem, self destructive behavior can also be

8Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
reduced. This can also be suggested that by improving the self esteem, the extent of the
traumatic neurosis, and hence the dissonance between the two egos can also be reduced, and
the breakdown of the emotional barrier can be prevented. Moreover, since both the egos can
exist harmoniously, instead of being in conflict with each other, it is possible to foster a
harmony of the egos, and also to prevent the breakdown of emotional barriers. This it can be
assumed that by improving self esteem, and also eliminating factors that cause traumatic
neurosis it is possible to improve the mental well being of the individuals, since it can lead to
1) improving emotional expression 2) improving social interaction 3) improve extraversion 4)
reduce ego conflict 5) improve emotional intelligence 6) prevent the break of emotional
batters 7) prevent traumatic neurosis and thus self destructive behavior.
Suggestion:
The treatment can therefore focus on strategies that can increase the self esteem, and
also foster harmony of the two egos, and facilitate emotional expression, particularly of
positive emotions. By applying Cognitive Emotional Behavior Therapy (CEBT) is possible to
improve self esteem as well as emotional expression. It can therefore be suggested, that by
CEBT, the overall mental well being of individuals can be reduced as it helps to prevent
depression by increasing emotional expression, extraversion, emotional intelligence and also
prevent self destructive behavior, cognitive dissonance or ego impairment. Since CEBT
focuses on the evaluation of the emotional distresses and reduce compulsive behaviors.
Discussed below are the details of the CEBT and CBT processes, which can be focused on
improving self esteem, and thus indirectly improving emotional expression and extraversion
as well as prevent traumatic neurosis and self destructive behavior. Both these factors can
thus further cause improvement in the sociability of an individual and thus have a shielding
effect on the mental well being of the person.

9Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive Emotional Behavior Therapy:
CEBT combines the aspects of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness training. The main components of CEBT includes
educating about the emotions and their functions, strategies to increase the awareness of the
emotions and the confidence to deal with them, provide motivation and support to change
unhelpful ways of coping or dealing with emotional, and also modify the beliefs of the
individual about experiencing as well as expressing emotions (Barlow et al., 2016; Crane,
2017). Thus CEBT can also allow improvement in emotional expression and extraversion.
This can be used to further support that CEBT can help to change how one thinks about
himself/herself thereby affecting their self esteem, and thus also improve emotional
intelligence of people, as well as prevent the breakdown of the emotional barrier. Based on
such views, it can be suggested that through CEBT, it is possible to treat low self esteem,
increase emotional expression, and prevent traumatic neurosis (by preventing the breakdown
of emotional barriers) (Gu et al., 2015; Kennerley & Westbrook, 2016).
CEBT as well as CBT focuses on understanding and accepting the emotions, feelings
and thoughts of self, which might show dissonance or delineation with reality. It fosters the
learning and acknowledgement of emotional, especially negative emotions and feelings and
helps to avoid being overwhelmed by strong emotions, and thus helps the individual to retain
a calm mind with the passage of emotions and at the same time keep in touch with reality.
Moreover, through CEBT is possible to address the philosophical underlinings of emotional
disturbances and distortions in cognitive processes (Crane, 2017). This helps to overcome the
absolutist demands and correct the cognitive distortions. CEBT can also prevent secondary
disturbances, that is the anxiety or worry for feeling anxious or be worried about an indecent
or outcome. The secondary disturbance can be understood as the anxious perception of
anxiety and can be related to anxiety disorders and depression. CEBT can be used to provide

10Self Esteem and Cognitive Therapy
effective solutions to self esteem issues, since it fosters a sense of ‘unconditional self
acceptance’ and reinforcing the positive qualities of the individuals and improving the self
esteem in the process. CEBT further helps to differentiable between negative, self destructive
behavior (such as anger, anxiety, depression) and inappropriate emotions from positive,
helpful and appropriate emotions (such as intense sadness, deep sorrow, great concern and
regret). CEBT considers that all forms of anger in inappropriate, and it has a condemning,
commanding, dictatorial philosophic role, which is unhelpful and destructive. Thus anger is
considered as inappropriate. CEBT thus focuses on assertiveness, problem solving as an
alternative to anger (Beck et al., 2015).
The CEBT can include 10-20 sessions (with once session conducted per week), each
for 1 hour. The treatment can be delivered as a one to one setup or as a group therapy. The
therapy can follow the steps mentioned below:
1. The problematic through patterns and cognitive patterns are first broken down into
its constituent parts to understand which ones are affecting the self esteem, and
causing a low self esteem among the clients. Keeping a note of this process using
a diary can be an effective suggestion, and help the clients to note down and
reflect upon the thought and cognitive patterns as well as how it influences their
actions.
2. After the components of the thoughts are broken down, they can then be analyzed
to understand whether they are helpful or unhelpful, and how they are affecting
the self esteem of individuals as well as extending the effects to others. This step
also helps to analyze any cognitive dissonance and identify signs of traumatic
neurosis and ego impairment.
3. Strategies to change these negative thoughts and cognitive patterns are then
identified. This can be done by strategizing how to increase self esteem,

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addressing the factors causing low self esteem and supporting factors which
increase self esteem. Different strategies can be utilized in this step such as: a)
developing realistic self expectations b) avoid comparison with other’s success or
stories, and acknowledging that everyone is different and has unique abilities
which sets them apart from others, c) facilitating the development of the best
version of oneself and understanding that perfection is not a realistic objective, d)
focusing on aspects that can be changed and not worrying unnecessarily on factors
which are beyond the control of self, e) indulging in small activities that can make
one happy and celebrating each success, however small or trivial it might seem to
be, f) help in the understanding and expression of emotions.
4. Once the strategies are identifies, the therapist then can help the client to
implement them in real life.
5. On each of the sessions, the progress made on the previous session can be
discussed, and the highlights of what has been learnt can be recapitulated to act as
reminders. This can help the therapist to understand the progress of the therapy.
6. At the end of each session, the schedule of the next session will also be discussed.
(Beck et al., 2015; Crane, 2017; Neeman, 2018; Fennell, 2016)
Different alternatives exists for CEBT such as Met cognitive Therapy and Cognitive
Behavior Therapy, however the CEBT incorporates factors from different therapy types to
focus on the emotional aspects that leads to the risk factors of cognitive dissonance, low self
esteem and depression, and therefore can be considered as the most appropriate tool for
treating depression and low self esteem.
The efficacy of Cognitive Emotional Behavior Therapies and Cognitive Behavior
Therapies in the treatment of depression, anxiety and improvement of self esteem has been
supported by many studies. Beck and Davis (2015) proposed that the therapy is effective