Self image and self esteem problems often begin in the difficulties of the first developmental phase. The original holding environment, which includes care-giver relationships, becomes a significant part of the template of who we come to believe ourselves to be.  An infant feels no separation between self and environment;  both the successes and failures of the early holding environment are internalized and form the core of our self image and self esteem.  As such, early trauma and attachment difficulties have a negative impact on our sense of self.  HEALING DEVELOPMENTAL TRAUMA, by Heller and LaPierre, p 144.)