Nir EyalSpeaker on Behavioral Science, NYT Bestselling Author, Former Stanford Lecturer

The Surprising Benefits of Unconditional Positive Regard

Name: The Surprising Benefits of Unconditional Positive Regard
Uploaded: 2020-11-23T14:00:17+00:00
Duration: 51 s
Channel: Nir Eyal
Description: This YouTube video (by Nir Eyal) explains unconditional positive regard — accepting and empathic responses used in person-centered therapy — and shows…

23 Nov 2020 · 1 min

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0:51

This YouTube video (by Nir Eyal) explains unconditional positive regard — accepting and empathic responses used in person-centered therapy — and shows how it helps people open up, feel accepted, and become more resilient. An illustrative vignette contrasts a therapist’s empathic reply to an anxious new parent with a skeptical, evidence-challenging reply. The narrator cites a 2008 study reporting that athletes who received unconditional positive regard from coaches were more motivated, felt more confident, and were more likely to take on new challenges when adversity appeared.

Questions this video answers

2008

They were more motivated to play sports, felt more confident, and were more likely to take on new challenges when facing adversity.

Chapters

New parents know it can be stressful to leave their baby with a sitter for the first time. When an anxious mother says, I'm terrified to leave my baby with a stranger, the Person Centered therapist doesn't say, what evidence do you have that your child is unsafe? Instead, they respond with, you love your child so much. I can see why you're worried. Providing empathy and acceptance allows people to open up and share more. Researchers have found unconditional positive regard can benefit us and the people in our lives in many way. A 2008 study found that athletes who received unconditional positive regard from their coaches were more motivated to play sports and felt more confident. When adversity cropped up, they rose to the occasion and took on new challenges. Most likely, positive regard sparked their inner enthusiasm and love for the game.