Do affirmations actually work? Or are they just self-delusion dressed up as positivity?

In this solo episode of The She Flourishes Podcast, Brenda Jasmin revisits affirmations through a science-backed lens.

If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember Stuart Smalley staring into a mirror on Saturday Night Live declaring, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”

It was funny, and it worked, because affirmations had already started to feel a little ridiculous.

For years, motivational culture encouraged us to repeat bold statements like:

“I’m healthy, wealthy and wise.”

“Money is flowing to me in many ways.”

“I am wildly successful.”

“I am fearless.”

But do affirmations actually work?

In this episode, Brenda unpacks:

-What the science really says about self-affirmations

-Why some affirmations can actually make you feel worse

-The 2009 research showing overly positive statements can backfire

-Self-Affirmation Theory and how reflecting on core values protects self-integrity

-A recent American Psychological Association study showing values-based affirmation exercises reliably increase well-being

-A 2025 meta-analysis reviewing 180+ trials and 22,000+ participants demonstrating measurable improvements in psychological well-being

And most importantly, how to upgrade affirmations so they actually support your growth.

If you’re a woman over 40 redefining career, money, health, confidence, or purpose, this episode will show you how to shift from fantasy affirmations to identity-based affirmations that build self-trust and drive action.

And when grounded in identity and action, they can strengthen self-trust and improve well-being.

References mentioned in this episode:

American Psychological Association. (2025). Self-affirmations can boost well-being. APA Press Release. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-amp0001591.pdf

Zhang, Y., Chen, B., Hu, X., & Wang, M. (2025). The impact of self-affirmation interventions on well-being: A meta-analysis, American Psychologist. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-amp0001591.pdf

Steele, C. M. (1988). The Psychology of Self-Affirmation (Self-Affirmation Theory). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/bookseries/abs/pii/S0065260108602294

Wood, J. V., Perunovic, W. Q. E., & Lee, J. W. (2009). Positive self-statements: Power for some, peril for others. Psychological Science, 20(7), 860–866. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19493324/

Here’s how you can connect with Brenda Jasmin:

Instagram: @_brendajasmin

Website: www.brendajasmin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajasmin/

Download Brenda’s Gratitude Guide:

https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/gratitudeguide

Get Brenda’s Guide on “How to Be Happier in Uncertain Times”: https://brendajasmin.kartra.com/page/happier

Original music composed by Leah Hidalgo

www.leahhidalgo.com