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Positivity in illness: self-delusion or existential growth?
S C Sodergren1, M E Hyland, A Crawford
1Department of Psychology, University of Plymouth, UK.
British Journal of Health Psychology
|May 6, 2004
Summary
Positivity in illness, measured by the Silver Lining Questionnaire (SLQ), is linked to existential growth, not delusion. This finding emerged from a study of respiratory patients examining personality and spiritual beliefs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Positivity in illness is a complex phenomenon.
- Its relationship with personality and spirituality remains debated.
- Distinguishing between existential growth and delusion is crucial for understanding patient coping mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Silver Lining Questionnaire (SLQ) as a measure of positivity in illness.
- To determine if positivity in illness represents existential growth or a delusion.
- To examine associations between the SLQ, personality traits, and spiritual/religious beliefs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 194 respiratory outpatients.
- Participants completed the Silver Lining Questionnaire (SLQ) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R).
- Data on breathlessness, illness type, and spiritual/religious beliefs were also collected.
Main Results:
- The SLQ positively correlated with extraversion and spiritual/religious beliefs.
- No significant relationships were found between the SLQ and neuroticism, repression, age, gender, illness type, or breathlessness.
- Results supported the existential growth interpretation over the delusion interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Positivity in illness appears associated with existential growth.
- The study's cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions.
- While some positivity may be delusional, the findings lean towards genuine growth.