PMID: 11315251Apr 24, 2001Paper

In search of realistic optimism. Meaning, knowledge, and warm fuzziness

The American Psychologist
S L Schneider

Abstract

Is it better to be realistic or optimistic? A realistic outlook improves chances to negotiate the environment successfully, whereas an optimistic outlook places priority on feeling good. But are realistic and optimistic outlooks necessarily in conflict? The author suggests that the fuzzy nature of accuracy typically places only loose boundaries on what it means to be realistic. As a result, there are many forms of optimism that do not, in principle, yield unrealistic assessments. Nevertheless, there remain numerous "optimistic biases" that do involve self-deception, or convincing oneself of desired beliefs without appropriate reality checks. The author describes several ways that realistic and unrealistic optimism can be differentiated and explores the impact of this distinction for current views of optimism. This critique reveals how positive psychology may benefit from a focus on personal meaning and knowledge as they relate to making the most of life.

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Citations

Sep 5, 2002·Journal of Clinical Psychology·Barbara S Held
Jun 18, 2011·American Journal of Public Health·Rosemarie KobauWilliam Thompson
Feb 29, 2008·Canadian Journal on Aging = La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement·Ashli Watt, Candace Konnert
Aug 15, 2008·Journal of Health Organization and Management·Kyle W LuthansRichard R Lebsack
Jan 21, 2016·The Behavioral and Brain Sciences·Steven M SouthwickJohn H Krystal
Jul 28, 2016·Frontiers in Psychology·Hannes Zacher, Jie Yang
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Jul 27, 2004·Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin·Werner Greve, Dirk Wentura
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Sep 17, 2014·Advances in Skin & Wound Care·Gregory Ralph WeirR Gary Sibbald
Jan 30, 2014·British Journal of Health Psychology·Anna GoodCharles Abraham

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