New research suggests that people in positions of low power may perform better by using self-affirmations to boost their confidence.

"Most people have experienced a time in their lives when they aren't performing up to their potential. They take a test or have a performance review at work, but something holds them back," Sonia Kang, lead researcher of the study, said in a statement. "Performance in these situations is closely related to how we are expected to behave."

For the study, researchers conducted three experiments to measure performance in pressure-filled situations. When participants were in a position of high power, they tended to perform better under pressure, while those with less power performed worse. Self-affirmations, however, helped to level the playing field and effectively reduced the power differences.

"You should reflect on things that you know are good about yourself," Kang said. "Anyone has the potential to do really well. It's how you respond under pressure that makes a key difference."

Based on their findings, researchers concluded that writing down a self-affirmation may be more effective than just thinking it, but both methods can help. Before a performance review, an employee could write or think about his best job skills. Writing or thinking about one's family or other positive traits that aren't associated with the high-stakes situation also may boost confidence and performance.

"Anytime you have low expectations for your performance, you tend to sink down and meet those low expectations," Kang said. "Self-affirmation is a way to neutralize that threat."

The findings are detailed in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.