Positive thoughts have negative effect on some
7 August 2009
The current trend for self-affirmation may actually be having a negative effect on the self-esteem of some people, experts say (Psychological Science 2009; 20: 860-66).
US psychologists measured the impact that repeatedly uttering a positive statement had on the mood of a group of respondents.
When asked to repeat the phrase ‘I’m a lovable person’, individuals with low self-esteem actually felt worse about themselves. In comparison, those with higher self-esteem had their confidence boosted by repeating the positive statement.
In a follow-up study, the researchers asked participants to list positive and negative self-thoughts.
Paradoxically, people with low self-esteem reported better moods when they were asked to list negative thoughts, rather than focusing on affirmative thoughts.
The authors said it seemed that uttering overtly positive statements promoted contradictory thoughts and confusion among those with low self-esteem with resultant effect on their mood.
‘Repeating positive self-statements may benefit certain people… but backfire for the very people who need them most,’ they concluded.
Last Reviewed: 07 August 2009
- 1. Wood JV, Perunovic WQ, Lee JW. Positive self-statements: power for some, peril for others. Psychological Science 2009; 20: 860-66
