Quote Originally Posted by Yarram View Post
I have several questions regarding this:
Do these techniques honestly work? Do they make the user feel happy, or are they just pretending to be?
In my experience, only if you're telling yourself something that you actually believe is true. For example, I feel better if I regularly remind myself "I'm smart, I'm good at this"; but telling myself "I'm a good leader" when I know it's clearly not true would just make me feel worse. Besides, it's easier to remember to remind yourself of positive traits that you really do know you have.

Why is it these techniques work? (For any psyche students out there)
If these techniques are indeed brainwashing, why are they used? Are there any ethical issues associated with this?
Because they make you internalize a more positive view of yourself. Because they work. No, why would there be?

What's big red and eats rocks? (Not relevant, but answer it anyway)
Do you have anything to add, or to discount my observation? It'd be welcome.
Mars, since it's big, red, and pulls in plenty of asteroids.