This is really interesting. I haven't read any studies. But I've never been keen on posting positive affirmations on my wall, or reading the little "lift up your spirit" books.

What does help my self esteem is coming to terms with my other self who is trying to improve the way she talks to me. Coming to terms with her that her constant critiquing is mean. So I have learned some more positive self talk, but they are things - like Anika saying - that I believe deep down, things that I have realized I need to hear on my own. Sometimes I try to tell myself the sort of nice things that I would tell a good friend who is suffering in pain.