The research paper “Love Thyself? How belief in a supportive god shapes self-esteem” by Scott Schieman and other authors argues that belief in a higher power can benefit their self-esteem. This article have reports that show religious activities help people realizing their worth in life. The “engaged, involved, and influential force in everyday life” (1) is the reason that people believe in themselves more than their own self.

Self-esteem is understanding the quality of ourselves. This feeling alone can boost one’s satisfactions and meaning in life. In stressful environment, self-esteem also promotes active coping strategies that increase one’s mental health.

However in “Franny and Zooey,” because Franny feels so sick and hatred in herself she let down her self-esteem. The negativity results in her breakdown that her mind could not pull out of.

“Individuals who attend religious services more regularly are likely to experience more divine support for several reasons” (6). There is a positive association between the human and god when people do their part in community. This sense of helpfulness increase their self-esteem. Additionally, their pursue in happiness with god amplify their engagement with life.

When Franny breaks down, she continually say her prayer to Jesus. Part of her partially did it out of repetition. Despite that, I believe Franny also hope her divine figure can rescue her out of the worthlessness.

Conclusion
Like the characters of “Franny and Zooey,” many people are still trying to find their meaning in life. Franny and Zooey both view their brother as a spiritual teacher. When all they feel is worthlessness and hatred, they can only track down what was left of his teaching and confine in the books. Perhaps their support might be stronger if they believe in an everlasting and loving god.

Salinger, Jerome. Franny and Zooey. Little, Brown and Company, 1961.

Schieman, Scott et al. “Love Thy Self? How belief in a supportive god shapes self-esteem.” Review of Religious Research, Spinger Verlag, 2017, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13644-017-0292-7#citeas. Accessed 28 January 2021.