I would like to know what techniques have been shown to be effective
in increasing self-esteem in adults. I would like to know what
measures can be taken to take to address the problem of low
self-esteem in adults.

I am only interested in techniquess that have been shown to be
effective by reputable pyschological studies or that are respected
within the psychology community.

I am not interested in ideas that are merely popular or interesting.

The best way to improve one's self-esteem is to achieve something
that's esteemable. The kinds of techniques that you probably have in
mind are all about process, not substance. Stated otherwise, they're a
reflection of psychobabble and, if followed, can only yield an
illusory sense of self-esteem.

The individual should attain achievements that he/she attributes value
to or holds in high esteem.

So here is a system that I could construct from this:
Step 1 - Determine what the values of the individual are.
Step 2 - Produce a set of realistic goals based on these values.
Step 3 - Create plans for the achievement of these goals.
Step 4 - Monitor the execution of the plans.
Step 5 - Identify and effectively address the external and internal
problems that arise during the execution of the plans.
Step 6 - Continue 4 & 5 until goals are achieved (Eliminate, modify or
add goals depending on how execution of plans go.)

How does that sound?

I would still appreciate an answer to my question that goes beyond
speculation and personal opinion.

When you know you are well liked by others you naturaly find your self
more likeable. You're too woried about cold hard facts. Open up, and
try to enjoy life a little more. I think you were offered some great
ideas. Instead of dissmising them as not being close enough to "fact",
you should think of what was offered to you. Not every one will
respond the same to all forms of treatment. Find what makes YOU feel
good about you! Good luck.

Here's my distillation of daizy1-ga's approach to increasing self-esteem:

1. Come to know that you are well liked by others.
2. Open up.
3. Try to enjoy life a little more. 
4. Find what makes YOU feel good about you! 

In my opinion these suggestions are of poor quality. 
 #1: People with low self-esteem tend not to be well-liked by others
because they underperform and are generally unhappy. So to become
well-liked you must first address the low self-esteem problem.
 #2: Doesn't really mean anything. It's very imprecise. 
 #3: Again, a pre-requisite to achieving this is resolving the low
self-esteem problem.
 #4: Is also very imprecise. It does not suggest what actions to take.

"Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing,
Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem" by Matthew McKay, Patrick
Fanning ($11.17)
    
Book Description
Offering proven cognitive techniques for overcoming destructive views
and fears, Self-Esteem is a classic guide to challenging the inner
critic. Starting with how to recognize the self-critical voice that
can be so damaging and insidious, the authors suggest practical ways
to realize what is happening, stop self-judgment, gain perspective,
and heal past wounds. The result is an exciting opportunity to change
core beliefs about one's identity and potential. New to the third
edition is an exploration of the importance of goal setting in
maintaining self-esteem.
    
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=moneysavingga-20&path=tg/detail/-/1572241985

That's more like it. Thanks.

However, in my opinioon an effective technique would involve actual
actions in the world rather than just internal tinkering with
thoughts, feelings, attitudes, etc... I like the idea of acheiving
goals that the individual holds in high esteem.

But this is good. Thanks again.

Research into 'self esteem' is necessarily limited, as with much
psychologial research, as the subject matter is highly subjective.
Measurements of self esteem based on self-scored questionnaires have
been used extensively in psychological research, but even here the
subjective apsects of the recording process make any consclusions
formed rather conditional.

Hypnosis can have a valuable impact for many individuals. Physical
exercise has also been shown to improve self esteem. Finally, as
indicated by another respondent, actual achievement against goals has
been shown to raise self esteem.

The following websites are useful resources :

http://www.psychology.com
http://www.confidenceclub.net