Approval From The Outside: Understanding External Validation

External validation refers to the process of seeking or receiving affirmation, acceptance, or approval from outside oneself. While everyone appreciates acknowledgement and acceptance, relying too heavily on external validation can have significant implications for mental health and self-esteem. This article delves into the concept of external validation, its origins, and its impact on individuals.

‍

The Origin of External Validation

Human beings are social creatures, wired to interact and form bonds with others. The desire for approval, acceptance, and affirmation from the social group is an evolutionary trait that has helped humans survive and thrive.

Why We Seek External Validation

External validation can come from various sources like peers, parents, social media, or societal standards. Humans are inherently social creatures, and the need to belong to a group has been a fundamental part of our survival. This has led to the development of a psychological propensity to seek approval or validation from the group.

The Role of Society and Culture

Societies and cultures often set certain standards and norms that individuals are expected to adhere to. These norms influence people's behavior and perceptions of what is considered valuable or acceptable, thus becoming a source of external validation.

‍

Implications of Relying on External Validation

While some degree of seeking external validation is natural and healthy, over-reliance on it can lead to various issues, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and unhealthy behaviors.

Impact on Self-Esteem and Self-Concept

Those who heavily rely on external validation may have their self-esteem and self-concept influenced by others' opinions. They may struggle to form their identity independently, leading to low self-esteem and self-doubt.

Impact on Mental Health

Over-reliance on external validation can lead to anxiety and depression. This is because the need for constant approval can result in chronic stress and disappointment when the approval is not forthcoming or is conditional.

Impact on Behavior

When individuals overly depend on external validation, they may engage in unhealthy or harmful behaviors to gain approval. These could include conformity, people-pleasing, or even self-destructive behaviors.

While external validation can provide temporary feelings of acceptance and worthiness, it's essential to cultivate a strong internal sense of self-worth. Developing self-acceptance and self-validation skills can foster resilience and improve mental health. After all, one's value should not be solely based on external affirmation but also on personal values, capabilities, and self-perception.

‍

Grouport Offers Online Group Therapy & Online DBT Skills Group

Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy for anger management, anxiety, borderline personality, chronic illness, depression, dialectical behavior therapy, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues and trauma and PTSD. Our licensed therapist leads weekly group sessions conducted remotely in the comfort of members' homes. According to participant feedback, 70% experienced significant improvements within 8 weeks.

‍

You don't have to face these challenges alone. Join our community and work together towards a brighter future. Sign up for one of our courses today and begin your journey towards meaningful, lasting change and renewed hope.

‍

Due to licensing restrictions, our online group therapy sessions are for Florida, New York, and New Jersey residents. If you are not a resident of either state, consider our dialectical behavior therapy skills group. It is a therapist-instructor-led online group that will teach you strategic new skills to replace behaviors and emotions causing friction in your daily life and relationships. It is excellent for interpersonal connections and building social skills concerning relationship issues.