(2002-10-1) — One of the researchers whose study debunks many of the myths about self-esteem said he doubts his data is accurate, “but if it is, my conclusions are probably not meaningful.”
Dr. Brad J. Bushman of Iowa State University, who worked on the study with Dr. Roy F. Baumeister of Case Western Reserve University, said, “I never do anything right. I can’t believe they’re running a story about this in The New York Times. That will only make it more embarrassing when people find out who I really am.”
The research, which eviscerates much of the curriculum of the nation’s public schools, shows that attempts to raise a person’s self-esteem do not necessarily result in positive behavior or achievement.
Dr. Baumeister said, “My bottom line is that self-esteem isn’t really worth the effort. Self-control is much more powerful.”
However, his colleague Dr. Bushman said, “I think Dr. Baumeister is so much more intelligent than me. I wish I were like him. I hate myself.”

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