Validation/Invalidation
True or False:
Patterns of invalidation can be inherited across generations.
True
Without intervention, the pattern repeats—often becoming an inherited cycle across generations.
What is at the start of the Cycle of Invalidation?
Emotional Expression- A person expresses a feeling—fear, sadness, frustration, disappointment, etc...
True or False:
The ability to self-validate improves emotion regulation.
True
Self-Validation improves emotional regulation, making intense feelings easier to manage.
True or False:
When naming emotions for the purpose of self-validation it is okay to be vague.
False
You want to identify what you’re feeling as precisely as possible.
How many major islands make up Hawaii?
Eight
Define Self-Validation.
Self‑validation means recognizing, accepting, and affirming your own thoughts and emotions as real and legitimate without needing approval from others. It involves acknowledging your feelings, identifying their sources, and responding with self‑compassion.
What is the cycle of invalidation?
The cycle of invalidation is a repeating pattern where a person’s emotions are dismissed, leading to self‑doubt, emotional suppression, and eventually long‑term issues like shame, anxiety, and insecure attachment.
True or False:
When practicing self-validation it is a good idea to judge the accuracy of a feeling or emotion.
False
Self Validation involves accepting your internal experiences—thoughts, feelings, sensations—without judgment.
You validate the existence of the feeling, not necessarily its accuracy or the behavior that follows.
Give an example of a validating statement.
*Open answer*
Answer examples:
“My feelings matter.”
“It makes sense that I feel this way.”
“I’m allowed to have this emotion.”
What is the largest airport in the US?
Denver International Airport
Childhood Emotional Suppression is connected to what mental health challenges in adults?
Research shows this suppression is the mechanism linking childhood invalidation to adult depression and anxiety.
Which step of the Cycle of Invalidation might include a person jumping to solutions instead of acknowledging feelings?
Dismissal or Minimization
True or False
When practicing self validation it is most important to validate behaviors.
False
You validate the existence of the feeling, not necessarily its accuracy or the behavior that follows.
What is the first step in practicing self-validation?
Notice and Name the Emotion
What is the currency of Russia?
Rubles
Name 2 consequences of chronic invalidation that were included in the presentation.
Name 2:
-Shame Internalization
-Unstable self‑identity (especially when invalidation begins in childhood)
-Emotional Dysregulation
-Insecure Attachment
-Anxiety and Depression
What is Reality Erosion?
BONUS
*for double the points*
Which stage of the Cycle of Invalidation is this a part?
Reality Erosion is where invalidation progressively dismantles self‑trust.
BONUS
Internal Conflict and Self-Doubt
Explain the difference between validation and approval.
Validation acknowledges someone’s internal experience as real and understandable, while approval expresses agreement with or endorsement of their choices, actions, or opinions.
In one sentence: validation says “your feelings make sense,” while approval says “I agree with what you did.”
If you notice that you are feeling tired, what is a way that you could validate that experience?
*Open Answer*
Example answer: “My body is signaling that it needs rest.”
Who painted Girl with a Pearl Earring?
Johannes Vermeer
People‑pleasing or fawning to avoid conflict.
Emotional withdrawal or detachment.
Difficulty expressing needs in relationships.
Walk through the cycle of invalidation with an example from your life.
*Open Answer*
Name at least 2 ways self-validation is helpful or benefits of self-validation that were discussed in the presentation.
Reduces negative self‑talk by counteracting harsh inner criticism.
Improves emotional regulation, making intense feelings easier to manage.
Strengthens self‑esteem and trust in your own perceptions.
Supports healthier relationships by reducing dependence on external approval.
Builds identity and emotional resilience, especially for those raised in invalidating environments.
A friend makes a dismissive comment about you. What is something that you could say to yourself to practice Self-Validation?
*Open Answer*
Example Answer: “It’s valid to feel hurt when someone says something dismissive.”
Who was the Egyptian god of the underworld?
Osiris