you might need Medline or Dialog ( dialog may have changed names) to do a proper search – i understand the desire for properly controlled, peer reviewed research.

I haven’t seen any, but i have not looked.

I can tell you that 2 diff psychologists and 2 diff psychiatrists have recommended i use them – so there is some acceptance of them among the professionals.
(still, not the same as research)

I think at worst, there is acceptance that they help some people, and don’t hurt anybody.
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Is it testable?
I think so, using a subjective scale ( a Likert scale?)
of how each S felt – measured on day 0, day 10, day 20, day 30

Control case?
Perhaps the subjects could each read a standard para
each time – that was more middle of the road, or they could meditate for 30 seconds each day.
those are just guesses. I am not thrilled with either approach.

but i REALLY would not want the control Ss to be doing NEGATIVE affirmations

Check into Alcohol and Drug rehab programs.About 70% of their success is dependent on self affermations.

An attitude of gratitude will magically frame your affirmations for successful results.

I magically frame my affirmations with: “I accept and enjoy … xyz … and everything has helped this to happen”

Emile Coué first used the affirmations.. “Day by Day in Every Way” and “Every Day in Many Ways”… , successfully in the 1920’s.

Affirmations, or as I prefer to call them, Verbal Remedies work by engaging a process of creative visualization. The way to write and recite your own precision affirmations is to make your statements: Positive, Present, Personal and Specific. Here are some more useful resources for getting your mind around your own verbal remedies:

From my standpoint as a professional psychic and a Creative Visualization trainer for over 20 years, I know the power of thought (Spells, Affirmations, Incantations – whatever you want to call them) in creating your future.

In a meditative state known as the alpha state of mind, your brain wave frequency empowers your affirmations and visualizations.

It is a lifestyle. Everything you do starts from your inner soul. Positive affirmations, creative visualizations and the Laws of attraction do work although, these are just labels. For a superficial guide into the workings of these forces read ” The Secret “. For a more in depth experience study the practices of the Buddhists and the Hindus.

Of course. This is called a mantra or gatha. One purpose of meditating is to develop concentration. If you can continually stayed focused on a specific phrase or affirmation without the mind wandering some place else, your concentration is strong. If you feel that something has positive results in meditation, then stick with it until it no longer produces those results.

Common gatha I use:

Ground to the present
Breath mindfully
Let go
Become still