In psychoanalytic theory, it is concerned with the emotional investment of the self (self-esteem). It is generally held that individuals whose self-esteem is chronically low have not experienced sufficient love and appreciation in their early development and are therefore unable to experience genuine deep feelings toward others, and constantly struggle with doubts about their own value, often swinging between extremes of grandiosity and self-deprecation.
See Hubris, Infantile grandiosity, Pride, Psychoanalysis, Self, Self-esteem, Shame