What are Affirmations?

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Affirmations

An affirmation is a short, clear statement you repeat to yourself to strengthen a belief, attitude, or intention. In psychology, the term is often used in two related ways: everyday “positive affirmations,” and the more technical idea of “self‑affirmation.”

Everyday affirmations

These are simple positive sentences, such as “I am learning to handle challenges” or “I deserve respect.” The aim is to:

• Counter very negative self‑talk.
• Remind yourself of your strengths, values, or goals.
• Shift your focus from “I can’t” toward “I’m learning” or “I’m worthy.”​

They work best when they are believable and specific, not grand claims you secretly don’t trust.

The Self‑Affirmation Theory

Self‑affirmation theory looks at what happens when people reflect on their core values and strengths, especially when they feel threatened or criticised. In studies, people might write about what matters most to them (kindness, creativity, family) before facing a difficult task or message. This kind of affirmation has been shown to:

• Reduce defensive reactions to threatening information.
• Help people take in useful feedback and health messages more openly.
• Support coping and well‑being over time.​

In short: An affirmation is a way of saying “this is what is true and important about me” and repeating it often enough that it starts to guide how you think, feel, and act.

Further Reading