You Can Change the Way You Feel: David Burns Burns convincingly argue that individuals become victims of their misery when they assume that their feelings are beyond their control (Burns 1). According to Burns, emotions sprout from thoughts and attitudes regardless of the external events (4). His cognitive behavior therapy aims at countering the belief that emotions are beyond human control. He argues that individuals can change the way they think, feel, and behave (Burns 5). He recommends that individuals ought to develop positive thinking patterns to improve their self-esteem and overall productivity (Burns 5).

How to Raise your Self-esteem: Nathaniel Branden

According to Branden, values shape individual behavior and are responsible for the social make-up of an individual (34). In addition, they represent the beliefs of what is considered morally correct or upright. Values distinguish between what is good or bad. Values are not in-born, they are learned from peers. Such a learning process explains how human beings acquire values. Animals do not learn, but their actions are shaped by nature and the environment. Values are a significant part of how human beings view emotions. Branden convincingly argue that values are responsible for individual’s self-esteem (40). In addition, self-esteem controls one’s ego, hence shaping thoughts and feelings.

Assessment Results

An average score of 1.0 in the dominant values indicates a modest perception of power across a broad range of values. On the other hand, a higher score (34) is achieved by assessing cognitive empathy. Such a score is an indication of understanding the thoughts, feelings, and situation of others. The score on cognitive empathy is supported by an almost similar score (32) on emotional empathy to indicate the sensitivity of other peoples’ thoughts, situation, and feelings. The dispositional mood scale indicates a strong personality in that, positive attributes achieve a high score whereas negative attributes achieve a low score (Positive energy 4.5, relaxation 4.4, negative arousal 1.5, and tiredness 1.8).

Work Cited

Branden, Nathaniel. How to Raise Your Self-esteem. Toronto: Bantam, 1987. Print.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Burns, David. “You Can Chnage the Way You Feel.” Print.