what is self affirmation

Self-affirmation is a psychological theory that focuses on how individuals adapt to information or experiences that are threatening to their self-concept. It is the act of affirming ones own worthiness and value as an individual for beneficial effect, such as increasing ones confidence or raising self-esteem. Self-affirmations can come from many sources, and having a flexible self-concept allows people to adapt in the face of threat. Self-affirmations can occur by both reflecting on a personally relevant value, belief, or role, as well as engaging in an activity that might evoke a personally relevant value. Factors that influence the effectiveness of self-affirmations include culture, and more research is needed to better understand how self-affirmation can provide benefit to individuals. Self-affirmation can be a tool for self-defense against threats to ones self-view, and it can improve ones ability to cope with destabilizing experiences. Self-affirmation can also be built into meditation or mindfulness practices.