Abstract
Background and objectives: Optimism is a personality trait which has repeatedly been shown to correlate with, and predict psychological and physical well-being. The present study investigated whether optimism can be increased by imagining a best possible self (BPS). Effects were compared to a control group in which participants imagined their daily activities (DA). Methods: In order to minimize inter-individual differences in content of imagery, participants constructed their BPS according to 3 domains, namely a personal, relational, and professional domain. All participants were instructed to practice their imagery exercise for 5 min per day over a period of two weeks. Effects on optimism and mood were measured after one session, after one week and after two weeks. Results: Results indicated that BPS imagery led to significantly larger increases in optimism as compared to DA imagery, after one session and over a two week period. Effects on optimism remained after controlling for possible mediation by the change in positive mood. Limitations: In order to test the effectiveness of our BPS imagery intervention we relied exclusively on self-report measures. Conclusion: The present study confirmed that imagining a BPS enhances levels of optimism, independent of the mood effect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 371-378 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2011 |
Keywords
- Optimism
- Intervention
- Best possible self
- Mood
- ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE QUESTIONNAIRE
- PESSIMISM
- ESTEEM
- HEALTH
- BENEFITS
- IMAGERY
- MOOD
- LIFE
- VALIDITY
- BEHAVIOR