High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Psychology of Self-Esteem is a book by Nathaniel Branden, first published in 1969. It explains Branden`s theories of human psychology, focusing on the role of self-esteem. Most of the book was written during Branden`s association with Ayn Rand, and it reflects some her philosophical ideas. The book`s success helped to popularize the idea of self-esteem as an important element of self-improvement.