Positive affirmations for self-esteem are powerful, uplifting statements that improve how clients see themselves. These affirmations highlight their strengths and positive traits, which allows them to push back against negative thoughts.
The Positive Affirmations for Self-Esteem handout is a great tool that offers over 40 affirmations aimed at boosting self-confidence, recognizing personal strengths, and fostering a healthy mindset.
By repeating the affirmations on this handout, kids and teens can begin to believe in their abilities and feel more secure in who they are. Placing it in prominent places at home or in the classroom helps keep positive thinking at the forefront of their minds.
Caring adults can offer support by creating a positive affirmation jar where they write notes for each other to read when they need encouragement.
References:
- Brady, S. T., Reeves, S. L., Garcia, J., Purdie-Vaughns, V., Cook, J. E., Taborsky-Barba, S., Tomasetti, S., Davis, E. M., & Cohen, G. L. (2016). The psychology of the affirmed learner: Spontaneous self-affirmation in the face of stress. Journal of Educational Psychology, 108(3), 353-373. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000091
- Kardell, J. (2024). The effects of positive affirmation techniques on growth mindsets and self-efficacy (Master's thesis, Caldwell University).
- Liu, C., & Huang, P. (2019). Beneficial effects of self-affirmation on motivation and performance reduced in students hungry for others’ approval. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 56, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2018.10.008
- Rana, M. (2018). Positive affirmations and its benefits on psychological well-being. Edu World, 9(2), 5–11.
