As a beginner (to image editing, not software) I have just finished evaluating Elements and PSP X2. I've gone for Paint Shop for two reasons - I found it a lot easier to use "out of the box" and I also thought it was better value than Elements.
As always, I think lots depends on what you need to do but I didn't have any trouble finding PSP tutorials online, and those included with the package are pretty good too.
I will admit to be slightly biased though, because I don't like using market leading software for the sake of it.
Paul