"It's hard for a person to enjoy life when he or she feels worthless."-excerpt from advertising copy for a 2002 self-esteem DVD

It's also hard for millions to resist such pitches by self-esteem purveyors, apparently. Since 1988, readers have snapped up more than 3,000 titles of “how-to” books and manuals related to building self-esteem. Reading material aside, here's a snapshot of what other self-esteem products were recently available, as found on amazon.com:

Aromatherapy: essential oils of larch, pine, verbena, neroli and clary sage, all with self-esteem-enhancing powers-$10.95 ea., Bach Flower Essences

Stuffed Toys: five “loveable creatures”-the “Querks”-who “learn that they do not need to change to be liked.”-$199.95, Discount School Supply

CDs: Self-Esteem Through Hypnotherapy-$24.95, Mind-Fit Technologies • “I Can Do It” Positive Self-Esteem Songs for Kidz by Michele Blood-$14.95, Musivation • How to Build High Self-Esteem by Jack Canfield-$69.95 (includes cassette) • Achieve Self-Esteem by Larry “Dr. Larry” Deutsch, M.D.-$15.95 • A Gift of Love II: Oceans of Ecstasy (2002)-$17.98, Deepak Chopra, Rasa Music

Videotapes/DVDs: How to Build Self-Esteem (2001) (length: 15-minutes)-$89.95, Educational Video Network • Teens, Body Image and Self-Esteem (2002) (length: 18 minutes)-$69.95 • Beyond the Looking Glass: Self-Esteem and Body Image (2001)-$141.75, Hourglass Productions • Self-Esteem for Latino Students (1996)-$59.95, TMW/Media Group

Jewelry: Rhodonite self-esteem pendant ($17.60); earrings ($17.60); ring ($22.50)-Silvermoon Jewelry

Games: “U.R. The Star,” personalized game/gift package-various prices, Sentimental Journeys, Inc. • “The Ungame” (noncompetitive family board game)-$18.00, Talicor

Teaching Aids: “Manifest Your Magnificence,” set of 64 affirmation cards for children-$15.95, PPP Enterprises • Assorted Self-Esteem Wall Posters- $9.99/pkg of six, Discount School Supply

Seminars: Nathaniel Branden's Six Pillars of Self-Esteem On-Line Course and Teleseminar-$69.00 • Jack Canfield's 7-Day Self-Esteem Seminar-$2,495.