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1  2   3  4  5  ( 1) I seek approval and affirmation from others, and I am afraid of criticism.

1  2   3  4  5  ( 2) I guess at what normal behavior is, and I usually feel as if I am different from other people.

1  2   3  4  5  ( 3) I isolate myself from and am afraid of people in authority roles.

1  2   3  4  5  ( 4) I am not able to appreciate my own accomplishments and good deeds.

1  2   3  4  5  ( 5) I tend to have difficulty following a project through from beginning to end.

1  2   3  4  5  ( 6) I get frightened or stressed when I am in the company of an angry person.

1  2   3  4  5  ( 7) In order to avoid a conflict, I find it easier to lie than tell the truth.

1  2   3  4  5  ( 8) I have problems with my own compulsive behavior, e.g., drinking, drug use, gambling, overeating, smoking, use of sex, shopping, etc.

1  2   3  4  5  ( 9) I judge myself without mercy. I am my own worst critic, and I am harder on myself than I am on others.

1  2   3  4  5 (10) I feel more alive in the midst of a crisis, and I am uneasy when my life is going smoothly; I am continually anticipating problems.

1  2   3  4  5 (11) I have difficulty having fun. I don't seem to know how to play for fun and relaxation.

1  2   3  4  5 (12) I am attracted to others whom I perceive to have been victims, and I develop close relationships with them. In this way I confuse love with pity, and I love people I can pity and rescue.

1  2   3  4  5 (13) I need perfection in my life at home and work, and I expect perfection from others in my life.

1  2   3  4  5 (14) I seek out novelty, excitement, and the challenge of newness in my life with little concern given to the consequences of such action.

1  2   3  4  5 (15) I take myself very seriously, and I view all of my relationships just as seriously.

1  2   3  4  5 (16) I have problems developing and maintaining intimate relationships.

1  2   3  4  5 (17) I feel guilty when I stand up for myself or take care of my needs first, instead of giving in or taking care of others' needs first.

1  2   3  4  5 (18) I seek and/or attract people who have compulsive behaviors (e.g., alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, shopping, sex, smoking, overworking, or seeking excitement.)

1  2   3  4  5 (19) I feel responsible for others and find it easier to have concern for others than for myself.

1  2   3  4  5 (20) I am loyal to people for whom I care, even in the face of evidence that the loyalty is undeserved.

1  2   3  4  5 (21) I cling to and will do anything to hold on to relationships because I am afraid of being alone and fearful of being abandoned.

1  2   3  4  5 (22) I am impulsive and act too quickly, before considering alternative actions or possible consequences.

1  2   3  4  5 (23) I have difficulty in being able to feel or to express feelings; I feel out of touch with my feelings.

1  2   3  4  5 (24) I mistrust my feelings and the feelings expressed by others.

1  2   3  4  5 (25) I isolate myself from other people, and I am initially shy and withdrawn in new social settings.

1  2   3  4  5 (26) I feel that I am being taken advantage of by individuals and society in general; I often feel victimized.

1  2   3  4  5 (27) I can be overresponsible much of the time, but I can be extremely irresponsible at other times.

1  2   3  4  5 (28) I feel confused and angry at myself and not in control of my environment or my life when the stresses are great.

1  2   3  4  5 (29) I spend a lot of time and energy rectifying or cleaning up my messes and the negative consequences of ill–thought–out or impulsive actions for which I am responsible.

1  2   3  4  5 (30) I deny that my current problems stem from my past life. I deny that I have stuffed–in feelings from the past which are impeding my current life.

____ TOTAL SCORE

SCORING AND INTERPRETATION

Add the ratings circled. This score indicates the degree to which you are affected by low self–esteem.

0–30 Not affected by low self–esteem.

31–45 Traces of low self–esteem. Take preventive action to reduce its impact on your life.

46–61 Presence of mild low self–esteem in your life. Take steps to treat this.

62–90 Presence of moderate low self–esteem. Take steps to treat this as soon as possible.

91–120 Presence of severe low self–esteem. Take steps to treat this immediately.

121–150 Presence of profound low self–esteem. Take immediate step to treat this and seek out professional help to assist you in this process.

How to get yourself going on your road to recovery from low self-esteem