Research on Cognitive Reappraisal and Youth Self-Esteem

Why do some children remain confident even when they are treated poorly by others? A study published in Child Psychiatry & Human Development examined the effects of peer victimization (like bullying) in young adolescents.

Over one year, researchers followed 285 children around age 10. They found that frequent bullying led to lower self-esteem, but mostly in those who struggled with cognitive reappraisal — a skill that helps kids reinterpret stressful situations in a more helpful way.

On the other hand, children who were good at cognitive reappraisal did not have drops in self-esteem. Finally, the study did not find strong evidence that low self-esteem leads to more bullying over time.

This study is valuable because it points to the role of healthy thinking in protecting a child’s self-esteem.

Understanding the Research

Past research has shown that bullying can lower self-esteem, but it was not yet clear why some kids are more affected than others.

The researchers wanted to test whether cognitive reappraisal, or changing how you think about a situation, could reduce the negative impact of bullying over time. They also explored whether low self-esteem might lead to more bullying later on.

The study used a longitudinal design, which means the same group of students was followed over time. Students from public schools in Crete, Greece, answered questionnaires about their experiences with peer victimization and their ability to use cognitive reappraisal. These were simple, age-appropriate self-report tools.

For the analysis, the researchers used advanced statistical methods to ensure the results were trustworthy.

The results showed the following:

• Peer victimization was associated with lower self-esteem over time, particularly among children with lower levels of cognitive reappraisal.
• Cognitive reappraisal functioned as a “protective factor” by helping reduce the negative impact of peer victimization on self-esteem.
• Children who were better able to reframe or reinterpret negative experiences did not show significant declines in self-esteem, even when they were exposed to peer victimization.
• A child’s self-esteem does not appear to predict later experiences of peer victimization. However, this doesn’t mean that self-esteem is irrelevant.
• Self-esteem may influence the risk of peer victimization only in specific situations, such as when a child suppresses their emotions, lacks support from adults, or has persistent low self-esteem in later adolescence.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

These findings show just how powerful cognitive reappraisal can be in protecting a child’s self-esteem. The good news is that it’s a skill we can begin to nurture today with small steps. As a therapist, I want to share a few tips parents and caregivers can use: 

Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles at home

CBT is a therapeutic approach that helps children notice negative or unhelpful thoughts and reframe them in a more balanced, realistic way.

For example, if a child thinks, “Everyone hates me,” they can consider alternative perspectives, such as, “Some kids may be mean today, but that doesn’t mean others do not like me.” Practicing these thought shifts can strengthen cognitive reappraisal skills. 

Build social skills, especially assertiveness

Strong social skills can act as a protective buffer against peer victimization. Assertiveness, in particular, helps children express their needs and respond to difficult situations without withdrawing or being aggressive.

For instance, teaching a child to calmly say, “I don’t like it when you say that to me. Please stop,” can reduce the likelihood of continued bullying. Parents can role-play common social scenarios at home or provide praise for assertive behaviors in real situations.

Help them recognize their unique strengths

Even with cognitive reappraisal and social skills, children may sometimes feel hurt by their experiences. Help them recognize their unique strengths — whether in academics, sports, art, or kindness — to counteract feelings of low self-worth. Celebrate their achievements, big or small.

The authors emphasize that teaching children social skills, alongside helping parents and teachers model healthy emotional responses, can improve children’s use of cognitive reappraisal.

Help your child turn these strategies into action. Try our CBT, Social Skills, and Self-Esteem worksheets to help your child handle peer challenges and strengthen their coping skills.