Self-affirmation as a deliberate coping strategy: The moderating role of choice

► We examined whether self-affirmation can aid coping with threat if users are aware of its function. ► As in prior research, being told about affirmation's benefits and then required to affirm negated the benefits. ► However, choosing to self-affirm after learning about the benefits restored them. ► This occurred even when the “choice” was merely incidental. ► Suggests that people can be taught to self-affirm in their everyday lives.