Group goals/objectives to be covered: By the end of sessions, the group will demonstrate improved levels of empowerment as measured by the Multicultural Psychological Empowerment Scale for Saudi Women (MPES-SW).
- The group will brainstorm positive self-affirmations and discuss how to implement them into their daily routines
Brief agenda:
Icebreaker- 5 minutes
Discussion/Education- 25 minutes
Activity- 20 minutes
Conclusion
Lesson plan:
Icebreaker (5 minutes): Have group members go around in a circle and name one thing that they like about themselves.
Discussion/Education (25 minutes):
- How do you define self-esteem?
Response to discussion question #1:
Self-esteem entails how we value and perceive ourselves. It relates to our confidence in appearance and/or in our abilities (What Is Self-esteem?, n.d.).
- What are the qualities of positive self-esteem vs. negative self-esteem?
- Do you consider yourself to have positive or negative self-esteem?
- What influences how you feel about yourself?
Response to discussion question #2:
Characteristics of positive self-esteem include (What Is Self-esteem?, n.d.):
- Liking who you are
- The ability to accept and move past mistakes without blaming yourself too harshly
- The ability to acknowledge individual strengths
- The ability to make decisions and assert yourself
- Practicing self-care
- Showing kindness to yourself
- Believing you are worthy and “good enough”
- Believing you deserve happiness
Characteristics of negative/low self-esteem (What Is Self-esteem?, n.d.):
- Hating yourself; lacking confidence
- Blaming yourself unfairly for mistakes or for things you cannot control
- Feeling hopeless and worthless
Common influences of low self-esteem (What Is Self-esteem?, n.d.):
- Relationship dynamics (i.e., bullying, abuse, familial expectations, etc.)
- Social challenges such as, experiences with prejudice, discrimination, or stigmatization
- Worries related to body image and appearance; beauty standards
- What are self-affirmations and why are they important?
- Do you currently practice self-affirmations? If yes, elaborate on the process.
Response to discussion question #3:
Self-affirmations are positive phrases intended to increase empowerment/build confidence. Self-affirmations often challenge negative thoughts and are often used to motivate individuals, inspire positive life changes, and increase individual self-esteem (Mba, 2023).
Activity (20 minutes):
As a group, brainstorm examples of positive self-affirmations and write them on a whiteboard. Address how to implement self-affirmations into daily routines. Facilitator will provide group participants with paper and art supplies. Group participants will be instructed to design a self-affirmation “poster” to take home. Facilitator will show an example (reference Supplemental Materials). Group participants will be encouraged to reference the self-affirmation “poster” during their daily routines.
Conclusion: Thank group members for participating in the session. Ask if any group members have any questions or concerns.
Resources/handouts/activities/materials needed:
- Whiteboard
- Dry erase markers
- Colorful sheets of paper
- Art supplies (pencils, markers, glitter glue, stickers)
Reference list for resources:
Martens, M. M., Viegas, P., & Mimoso, R. (2008). The Power to Change: How to Set Up and Run Support Groups for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence.
Mba, C. M. P. (2023). Positive Daily Affirmations: Is There Science Behind It? PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/daily-affirmations/#:~:text=Positive%20affirmations%20are%20positively%20loaded,or%20boost%20their%20self%2Desteem.
What is self-esteem? (n.d.). Mind. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-esteem/about-self-esteem/