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Rediscovering confidence as a mechanism and optimism as a construct
Charles S Carver1, Michael F Scheier2
1Department of Psychology,University of Miami,Coral Gables,FL 33124ccarver@miami.eduhttp://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/ccarver/
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|January 21, 2016
Summary
Positive appraisal of stress fosters resilience. However, this concept, termed positive reappraisal, has been previously explored extensively in psychological research, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary awareness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Stress and Coping Research
Background:
- Resilience is often linked to cognitive appraisal processes.
- Previous research has explored positive reappraisal strategies in managing stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate a recent assertion regarding the origins of resilience.
- To highlight the importance of interdisciplinary literature reviews in psychological research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis.
- Comparison of current findings with existing psychological theories.
Main Results:
- The core idea presented in the target article regarding positive appraisal and resilience is not novel.
- Extensive prior research exists on this topic from different psychological perspectives.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores the necessity for researchers to be aware of existing work across disciplines.
- Failure to acknowledge prior research can lead to the redundant advancement of established concepts.
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