Low self-esteem is a view of oneself as inadequate, "not good enough," or lacking in some way. Low self-esteem can contribute to depression and anxiety, to passivity and inactivity, to unsatisfying relationships, and to a constricted and unhappy life.

Cognitive-behavioral models propose that individuals with low self-esteem often set unrealistic and excessive standards for themselves, which can lead to chronic failure and feelings of inadequacy. Individuals with low self-esteem also tend to over-focus on their weaknesses and minimize their strengths. Some individuals with low self-esteem behave like social chameleons, suppressing their true feelings and beliefs and instead doing what they perceive as acceptable to others.

To treat low self-esteem, cognitive-behavior therapy teaches the individual who has excessive standards to identify and modify them, including by carrying out experiments to test beliefs like, "Unless I always do things perfectly, I will be miserable." Therapy can teach the individual who over-focuses on weaknesses and minimizes strengths to shift those behaviors. Therapy can teach social chameleons skills that will allow them to begin to overcome obstacles to attending to and validating their feelings, and to begin acting in ways that express important feelings and personal values.