Self-esteem training has been watered down from original books on topic by Nathaniel Branden, known as father of the self-esteem movement. As originally stated, self-esteem was based on achievements. But the NEA got hold of it and teach kids that no matter what they do, they're wonderful.
After a riot in Los Angeles, I saw a fellow being arrested on tv after bashing brains out of someone in street. He shouted into camera: "Don't matter what I do, I'm a good person." Thank you, NEA.
I also saw the head of Boys Town in Omaha on tv...he stated that they used to get boys who were angry and had low self-esteem. They were able to give those kids lots of help and turn them into decent citizens. Now, he said, they get kids who are angry but have high self-esteem, and they can do nothing with them. Sociopaths, one and all.
After a fair amount of observations of my sister. . . plenty of group work and individual and family counseling . . . I'm convinced that sociopaths have a higher than average incidence and amount of demonic influence whether oppression or possession.
Interesting...I once heard of a quote by the 19th-century American philosopher William James: "Self-esteem equals accomplishments divided by pretensions." Thus, in order to increase self-esteem, a person would either have to increase their achievements or lower their aspirations.