How does the Church view the topic of self-acceptance in psychology?translated

Question from a Reader:

Good day. Please explain how the Church views books on the theme "accept yourself, love yourself." I used to read such things occasionally. After being spiritually enriched, I got a feeling that it is not advisable to read them: they may harm the soul and psyche. Thank you in advance for your answer.

Ekateryna

Response from the Priest:

Father Victor NIKISHOV

May God bless you!

To answer your question, we need to distinguish between two things: normal healthy self-care, which the Church approves of, and the cult of self that many modern psychological bestsellers promote, including those you mentioned.

According to Orthodox teaching, one cannot hate oneself; it is impossible. As St. Paul says: "For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it" (Ephesians 5:29). Furthermore, the commandment "Love thy neighbor as thyself" implies that a person should have normal, healthy self-attitude from the outset.

Reasonable care for oneself, including a well-thought-out program of personal development, has nothing to do with egoism and self-love. It is necessary in order to have the strength to serve one's neighbors and God. Self-care in an Orthodox understanding is "know thyself"...

This approach does not mean indulging in excessive self-compassion or self-indulgence but rather a balanced, healthy relationship with oneself that enables one to better serve others and God.