Self-invalidation

Self-invalidation is the process of negating or dismissing one's own feelings, experiences, perceptions, or thoughts. It often manifests as questioning the validity of one's emotions, minimizing personal successes, or attributing internal struggles to personal failings rather than external factors. This behavior typically stems from learned patterns, such as critical caregivers or previous traumatic experiences. Consequently, individuals engaging in self-invalidation may struggle with self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and overall mental well-being. It's a form of self-sabotage leading to internal conflict and difficulty in achieving goals or seeking help when needed.

Self-invalidation meaning with examples

• After receiving a compliment on her artwork, Sarah immediately dismissed it, thinking the person was just being polite. She started to question the quality of her work and the validity of her creative process, rather than accepting the positive feedback. This self-invalidation led her to abandon her art project.
• John, after a panic attack, told himself he was being dramatic and overreacting, as he believed a 'strong' person shouldn't feel this way. His denial of the experience further heightened his anxiety. Instead of seeking support, John’s self-invalidation of his own experience worsened his mental state.
• Despite succeeding on a challenging project, Maria focused solely on the mistakes she perceived, labeling her achievements as insignificant or due to luck, rather than skill. This self-invalidation left her feeling unfulfilled and caused her to avoid taking on similar opportunities.
• Even when experiencing legitimate challenges, like workplace stress, Emily blamed herself, stating she 'wasn't strong enough' instead of recognizing the external pressures. Her self-invalidation prevented her from communicating her needs or seeking solutions for her stressful work environment.
• Following a difficult breakup, Ben invalidated his sadness, telling himself he shouldn't feel hurt. This self-invalidation blocked him from processing his grief, leading to internal turmoil and a delay in the natural healing process following the end of the relationship.