How do I find research on how unconditional love helps in recovery? I work to help people recover, and poor self-esteem, not enough, and damaged goods are themes throughout. Is there research about this?
You might widen your focus a little and look at schema therapy and schema modes. There is also an interesting literature on intimacy.
My own two cents worth is that unconditional love is magic, and magic comes at a price, and the price is usually that the lover wants the beloved to become their "authentic self" – in other words, a very strong and dubious condition is attached. But hey, your mileage may vary.