According to psychologist Marisa Franco, self-esteem functions as a learnable skill that individuals can develop and strengthen over time. Franco, who authored a recent book on the topic, identifies negative self-talk as a potential indicator of struggles with self-worth. She emphasizes that genuine self-esteem involves valuing oneself and treating one’s emotions as significant.
Franco draws on research in psychology and neuroscience to present strategies for building self-worth, with particular emphasis on revisiting challenging memories. Her approach relies on memory reconsolidation theory, which originated from the work of behavioral neuroscientist Karim Nader. According to this framework, memories function not simply as records of past events but as predictors of future experiences. By returning to difficult memories and envisioning oneself as an adult providing reassurance and support to one’s younger self, individuals may experience meaningful psychological shifts.
This memory reconsolidation practice, known as reparenting, can produce several documented benefits. Research indicates the technique may lead to increased self-esteem, reduced trauma symptoms, and measurable changes in the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory storage. Franco illustrates the approach through personal example, describing how she revisited a childhood memory of embarrassment and reframed it by imagining her adult self providing comfort and affirmation to her younger self.
Franco argues that addressing low self-esteem carries significant implications for overall life satisfaction. She notes that individuals with lower self-esteem may struggle to internalize positive experiences, including professional success and meaningful relationships. By developing stronger self-worth, individuals may become more capable of receiving and appreciating the positive elements present in their lives.
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