The effects of positive self-instruction: A controlled trial

In this article it is argued that positive self-instruction can be an important aid for the treatment of emotional disorders. A review of the literature revealed that studies on the effects of positive self-instruction are often unclear and generally hampered by contamination between different treatment techniques. The present study tests the effects of positive self-instruction in isolation. A pre-post controlled trial with participants characterized by low self-esteem was carried out. In the experimental condition 24 participants were instructed to write a short positive text about themselves and to read this text twice daily for a period of 3 weeks. In the control condition 26 participants carried out a neutral task which consisted of writing the endings of a few short stories. Positive self-instruction had positive effects on self-esteem and on feelings of inadequacy, especially in those participants who were intrinsically motivated to carry out the experimental task. The intervention had no significant effects on a number of personality trait measures, which negates demand characteristics as an alternative explanation for our findings. Implications for clinical practice and research are considered.