Lying for him was a means to bolster his fragile self-esteem.

Instead, the attitudes conceal a deep sense of insecurity and a fragile self-esteem.

Because so many have fragile self-esteem, he said, they may perceive curt directives from a boss as a challenge to their dignity or evidence of racism.

In addition to affirming the older students' sometimes fragile self-esteem, the dialogue between students and staff opens new discussions about student goals.

Her fragile self-esteem grew as he continually challenged her modest view of her attractions.

But his therapy, he quickly adds, has changed all that, bolstering his admittedly fragile self-esteem and giving him peace of mind, even if it is fleeting.

Another distinction made in the research on stability of self-esteem is between fragile and secure high self-esteem.

More to the point, such teasing might be turned against Zhaneel, and he already knew that her fragile self-esteem would not survive it.

And she corrects her students in private to help protect their fragile self-esteem.

While the movie doesn't show the daily humiliations Carla and Danny endure, their fragile self-esteem is evidence enough of what they have suffered.