There is growing research that affirmations can help improve the mental health of teenagers.

While much of the research on affirmations has traditionally focused on adults, several studies have shown that they can be effective tools for promoting emotional well-being and resilience in teenagers as well.

Studies have shown that positive affirmations can significantly enhance self-esteem, which is especially important during the teenage years—an essential period for identity development.

A study by Cohen and Garcia (2008), published in Psychological Science, explored the use of self-affirmation in high school students. Their findings revealed that affirmations helped reduce stress and improve academic performance by boosting students’ self-worth and assisting them in managing challenges.

Another study by Cohen and Sherman (2014), titled "The Psychology of Change: Self-Affirmation and the Self," explores the concept of self-affirmation and its impact on high school students, particularly in how it helps them cope with social and academic challenges.

One of the most notable findings of their study was that self-affirmation positively influenced academic performance. When students engaged in self-affirmation activities, they were better able to cope with setbacks, which ultimately led to improved academic outcomes.

The self-affirmation helped them deal with stress and anxiety, preventing these feelings from interfering with their learning and performance.

Affirmations provide students with a mental tool to process difficult situations without feeling defeated. By reminding them of their worth and potential, affirmations helped students approach adversity with a growth mindset rather than succumbing to feelings of helplessness or frustration

The study highlighted that self-affirmation could be a powerful tool for improving the academic outcomes and mental health of students who are at risk of falling behind or experiencing negative emotional reactions to academic challenges.

Cohen and Sherman’s (2014) research on self-affirmation shows self-affirmation can improve academic performance, reduce anxiety, and help students develop resilience.

Incorporating affirmations into a teen’s daily routine, particularly in times of stress or uncertainty, can provide a simple yet powerful tool for mental health improvement.