New self-esteem research to help teens: Research

Friday 6 February 2026

Researchers Susan Moore and Emily Hayward – from our trust and the University of York – are hoping to create a low intensity self-esteem manual from their findings.

Self-esteem research workshops

The researchers are currently holding workshops in Teesside and North Yorkshire with young people and professionals. These explore current self-esteem worksheets as well as people’s experiences.

The research started in September 2025 and will run until September 2026.

Good self-esteem helps young people succeed

Susan Moore, clinical studies officer and senior psychological wellbeing practitioner, says: “For young people to succeed in many areas of their life, it is important they have good esteem and belief in themselves.

Many treatments for other mental health difficulties such as exposure for anxiety or behavioural activation for low mood can be made tricky if a young person is being held back by low self-esteem.

“This can make it difficult for young people to make friends, engage with others and try new things.

“I have felt passionately about this as over the last few years I’ve seen many young people who are struggling with their confidence and identity. As a practitioner, I have found it difficult to not have any tools to help manage this.”

Research can lead to meaningful advancements in care

Emily says: “The positive impact research participation has on the people I have worked with has been incredibly inspiring.

Studies I have contributed to have led to meaningful advancements in the assessment and therapeutic support offered to young people. Which is very rewarding.

“I am delighted to be working with Susan on this important piece of research.

“We are grateful for the support of the trust and local research capability funding (RCF) in making this collaboration possible.”

Following completion of the project in September 2026, the researchers hope to test and embed the research into children’s mental health services.

Looking for support?

Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) webpages have information about children and young people’s mental health.