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Related Experiment Videos

Harnessing the imagination. Mental simulation, self-regulation, and coping

S E Taylor1, L B Pham, I D Rivkin

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles 90095-1563, USA. taylors@psych.ucla.edu

The American Psychologist
|May 8, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Simulating the process of achieving goals or managing stress effectively aids progress. Simply envisioning success does not yield the same results, highlighting the importance of process-oriented mental simulation.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Mental simulation enables future envisioning and planning.
  • Effective goal pursuit and stress management involve emotional regulation and problem-solving.

Discussion:

  • This research contrasts process-based mental simulation with outcome-based visualization.
  • It explores the link between effective mental simulation and self-regulatory mechanisms.

Key Insights:

  • Simulating the *process* of goal achievement or stress resolution promotes progress.
  • Merely visualizing successful outcomes, as often advised in self-help, is less effective.

Outlook:

  • Future research can explore specific techniques for optimizing process-based mental simulations.

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  • Understanding these mechanisms can inform interventions for enhancing self-regulation and goal attainment.