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Related Experiment Videos

Taking positive changes seriously.

Lisa G Aspinwall1, Atara MacNamara

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, Room 502, Salt Lake City, 84112-0251, USA. lisa.aspinwall@psych.utah.edu

Cancer
|October 26, 2005
PubMed
Summary
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Positive emotions and beliefs are often dismissed in serious illness, but research suggests they are real, beneficial, and crucial for resilience and positive life changes after adversity.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Oncology
  • Health Psychology

Background:

  • Many individuals with serious illnesses report positive life changes and improved quality of life post-adversity.
  • Significant debate exists regarding the reality and benefits of these positive changes.
  • Assumptions about positive emotions and beliefs in serious illness hinder understanding resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and challenge assumptions limiting the understanding of positive emotions and beliefs in cancer survivors.
  • To examine the role of positive emotions and beliefs in resilience and positive outcomes after life-threatening illnesses.

Main Methods:

  • Review of evidence challenging assumptions that positive beliefs/emotions are absent, dangerous, delusional, or trivial.
  • Analysis of the association between positive emotions/beliefs and outcomes in adversity.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests positive emotions and beliefs are not absent or detrimental in serious illness.
  • Positive emotions and beliefs are associated with, and may contribute to, positive outcomes in adversity.
  • Challenging negative assumptions can advance the study of resilience.

Conclusions:

  • Positive emotions and beliefs play a significant role in the recovery and well-being of cancer survivors.
  • Interventions promoting positive emotions and beliefs can enhance mental and physical health outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand and leverage the power of positive psychology in oncology.