self-affirmation

noun

self-af·​fir·​ma·​tion ˌself-ˌa-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce self-affirmation (audio)
plural self-affirmations
: the act of affirming one's own worthiness and value as an individual for beneficial effect (such as increasing one's confidence or raising self-esteem)
Patients were also asked to use self-affirmation to help them overcome obstacles to getting better by recalling moments in their lives they were proud of, such as a graduation.Lauren Paxman
also : a statement of self-affirmation
"When I look in the mirror and I see something that I don't like, I change that thought instantly into a self-affirmation where I say, '… You are beautiful. You're worthy of love and you're worthy of a happy and healthy life,'" she [Demi Lovato] told Dr. Phil … Rachel McRady

Examples of self-affirmation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gordon gives examples of self-affirmations--facts to say to yourself when feelings of doubt are clouding them--that are science-backed, too. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 After spending each waking hour together in Fiji, the queen of self-affirmations visited Boston and met Arenales' mom. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025 Its six songs, which weave together profound introspection with resolute self-affirmation, are steeped in a folksy warmth à la Leith Ross or Julia Jacklin. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025 As a result, Gunna’s music has acquired an undercurrent of anxious self-affirmation and angry defiance. Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2025 In educational settings, self-affirmation exercises have been effective in reducing the performance gap caused by stereotype threat, particularly among women in STEM fields. Essence, 9 May 2025 Research published in Psychological Science suggests that such self-affirmation can improve our insecurities about relationships and reinforce positive social behavior, which can enhance one’s dating life. Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 This may involve practicing self-affirmation, setting healthy boundaries, and working on internal validation rather than seeking approval from others. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Or start your journey to greatness with this deck of self-affirmations for financial abundance, $32 from Intelligent Change. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-affirmation was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Self-affirmation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-affirmation. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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