The act of seeking validation, approval, or confirmation from others to reinforce one’s self-worth, beliefs, or decisions. This behavior often indicates a reliance on external feedback rather than internal assurance and can manifest in personal relationships, workplaces, or social interactions.
Affirmation-seeking meaning with examples
- After receiving criticism at work, Jenna engaged in Affirmation-seeking behavior by consistently looking for compliments from her colleagues, rather than addressing the feedback directly.
- Mark’s constant Affirmation-seeking left his friends feeling exhausted, as he frequently asked them to reassure him of their support and friendship, overshadowing his ability to feel secure on his own.
- In social situations, Lisa struggled with Affirmation-seeking, often interrupting conversations to gain approval for her opinions rather than engaging thoughtfully and authentically with others.
- Although Affirmation-seeking can foster a sense of belonging, it may also hinder personal growth, as individuals become overly dependent on external validation for their self-image and confidence.
- Throughout therapy, Sam learned that his Affirmation-seeking tendencies stemmed from childhood experiences, leading him to develop healthier coping mechanisms that allowed for greater independence in his self-esteem.