Positive Thinking

This book reviews the literature on positive thinking and its effect on the appraisal of stress, coping and health outcomes. Positive psychology is a new dimension that focuses on positive thinking, positive emotions and positive behavioral qualities that enhance human potential in various domains such as work, coping with stress and health. By thinking positively, we perceive the stress as less threatening, are able to cope with it effectively. Papers studying positive thinking, positive emotions, optimism, hope and well-being were included in the review. The implications for counselors, educationists and the community at large have also been discussed.The review of experimental studies has shown that positive thinking effects the appraisal of stress, which determines our coping strategies. Thus the evidence supports the researcher's conceptual model that positive thinking increases the ability to deal with stressors effectively and causes many successful health outcomes."Optimal Thinking has a little bit for everyone and will help people be the best self they can be." - Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D., coauthor of The One Minute Manager