Positive affirmations make some people feel worse
Repeating phrases like 'I am lovable' can backfire for those with low self-esteem, triggering a psychological conflict that reinforces a negative self-image.
Self-help culture has long promoted positive affirmations as a universal remedy for low confidence. However, evidence from the University of Waterloo and the University of New Brunswick shows that for people with low self-esteem, these mantras are often counterproductive. In a study of 68 students, those who started with a negative self-image reported feeling significantly worse after repeating the phrase 'I am a lovable person.'
Continue Reading in App
2 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz