Study on Validation Reveals Deep Truth

Our moods may be more dependent on the people around us than we realize. We might tend to think we wake up and feel a certain way based on circumstances but that's probably not as true as we'd like to think. There’s a lot of strength in the words of others, especially when we’re feeling angry or vulnerable.

A recent study has demonstrated just how powerful validation can be. Here’s how each of us can make the most of the magic.

We all Need Understanding

We’re constantly scripting the narratives in which we live, even when we’re not aware of it, and our thoughts can very frequently drive our emotional states. Whether our moods rise or crash may rely heavily on how we direct our thoughts. Someone dealing with a difficult situation might mindfully consider their options, generating hope, or they might focus on every negative possibility and ruminate themselves into despair. But we're far from the only voice that matters.

A group of researchers at Ohio State University set out to discover how powerful feedback can be and when it’s a factor, and perhaps unsurprisingly, they found a little validation can go a long way. The researchers published their findings in The Journal of Positive Psychology.

The Impacts of Words

In their experiment, the researchers had subjects go into detail about personally upsetting recent experiences. The listeners used two sets of scripts; one brushed off the subject's concerns, and the other validated their feelings. When their concerns were dismissed, their anger continued to grow as they spoke, but the people in the validation group returned to their baseline emotional states surprisingly fast. Some even finished their discussions in better moods than when they began.

How to Validate Others

Even if we don’t fully agree with someone simply saying, “I’m so sorry that happened to you” can be incredibly empowering. It’s human to want friends and peers in our corner, even if it’s just to confirm that our feelings and perceptions matter. There’s great strength in solidarity and knowing that what we say to others really does have an impact, we can support and edify the people around us in ways that can impact their lives.

Sometimes, all it takes to turn a negative mood around is a little understanding and a reminder that we’re not alone. We each hold more power than we realize. When we use our presence to validate the people around us, we do more than lend moral support; we give them the strength to find their way through the pain. And we all need that more often than not.

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