Worth-Conscious theory: Understanding the role of birthright self-worth and application to clinical practice

Abstract

In this article, we introduce a theory of worth consciousness that builds on the research from self-worth with attention to the importance of honoring birthright self-worth (BSW), which is foundational to human dignity. This new empirically testable construct, Worth-Conscious theory (WCT), concerns human worth and requires individuals to recognize and acknowledge their value and significance (i.e., worth) even when smaller (e.g., family) and larger (e.g., community and society) systems fail to support them in affirming and repairing their worth. Self-Worth is the birthright of all individuals; hence our central aim is to introduce and explain the four pillars of self-worth, which are major tenets of WCT that align with Erikson’s developmental stages. These four pillars of self-worth (self-awareness, self-respect, self-esteem(ed), and self-confidence) are instrumental in understanding clients’ life challenges, presenting issues, and how to assist them in repairing and maintaining their worth. More specifically, many clients’ mental health issues, interpersonal conflicts, and other concerns can be directly or indirectly related to the experience of negative and critical beliefs about their worth and, more specifically, that their BSW has not been affirmed or realized throughout the lifespan.