Optimism & pessimism : implications for theory, research, and practice

Gathers some of the world's notable scientists, practitioners, and sch olars to discuss the critical role that optimism and pessimism play in people's lives. Presents the complex foundations of optimism and pes simism, ranging from the philosophical to the biological. Prevailing Beliefs And Attitudes, Particularly In The West, Encourage Researchers And Lay People Alike To Think Almost Exclusively In Terms Of The Costs Of Pessimism And The Benefits Of Optimism. This Volume Provides A Forum In Which Leading Scholars, Researchers, And Practitioners Involved With The Study Of Optimism And Pessimism Are Given The Opportunity To Express Their Beliefs. The Result Is A Critical Survey That Enables Readers To Recognize The Importance Of Balance In Understanding The Relative Powers Of Both Optimism And Pessimism. Optimism And Pessimism From A Historical Perspective / Brian Domino And Daniel W. Conway -- Optimism, Pessimism And Self-regulation / Charles S. Carver And Michael F. Scheier -- Optimism, Pessimism, And Explanatory Style / Jane E. Gillham [and Others] -- Defensive Pessimism, Optimism, And Pessimism / Julie K. Norem -- Optimism And Hope Constructs : Variants On A Positive Expectancy Theme / C.r. Snyder [and Others] -- Optimism And Physical Well-being / Christopher Peterson And Lisa M. Bossio -- Optimism, Pessimism, And Daily Life With Chronic Illness -- Glenn Affleck, Howard Tennen, And Andrea Apter -- Optimism And Pessimism : Biological Foundations / Marvin Zuckerman -- Optimism, Pessimism, And Psychological Well-being / Michael F. Scheier, Charles S. Carver, And Michael W. Bridges -- Understanding How Optimism Works : An Examination Of Optimists' Adaptive Moderation Of Belief And Behavior / Lisa G. Aspinwall, Linda Richter, And Richard R. Hoffman Iii -- Great Expectations : Optimism And Pessimism In Achievement Settings / Jonathon D. Brown And Margaret A. Marshall -- Cultural Influences On Optimism And Pessimism : Differences In Western And Eastern Construals Of The Self / Edward C. Chang -- The Optimism-pessimism Instrument : Personal And Social Correlates / William N. Dember -- Building Optimism And Preventing Depressive Symptoms In Children / Jane E. Gillham, Karen J. Reivich, And Andrew J. Shatté -- Optimism, Pessimism, And Psychotherapy : Implications For Clinical Practice / James L. Pretzer And Chaille A. Walsh -- A Very Full Glass : Adding Complexity To Our Thinking About The Implications And Applications Of Optimism And Pessimism Research / Julie K. Norem And Edward C. Chang. Edited By Edward C. Chang. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes. Prevailing beliefs and attitudes encourage researchers and lay people to think almost exclusively in terms of the costs of pessimism and the benefits of optimism. This volume provides a forum for those involved with the study of optimism and pessimism to have an opportunity to examine these beliefs. The result is a critical survey that enables readers to recognize the importance of "balance" in understanding the relative powers of both optimism and pessimism. With a focus on the practical implications for therapy, contributors provide up-to-date reviews of the empirical foundations of these constructs. Particularly valuable is an examination of cultural, biological, and psychological factors related to optimism and pessimism. Through the diversity of views presented, the dynamic interplay between optimism and pessimism that reflects the fundamental tension and harmony found in life is illustrated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved) 0.doc......Page 2 2000-16270-001.pdf......Page 4 2000-16270-002.pdf......Page 22 2000-16270-003.pdf......Page 43 2000-16270-004.pdf......Page 66 2000-16270-005.pdf......Page 90 2000-16270-006.pdf......Page 115 2000-16270-007.pdf......Page 134 2000-16270-008.pdf......Page 156 2000-16270-009.pdf......Page 176 2000-16270-010.pdf......Page 204 2000-16270-011.pdf......Page 226 2000-16270-012.pdf......Page 243 2000-16270-013.pdf......Page 267 2000-16270-014.pdf......Page 286 2000-16270-015.pdf......Page 306 2000-16270-016.pdf......Page 332 Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Focuses on the practical implications for therapy and provides current reviews of the empirical foundations of these constructs. Includes an examination of cultural, biological, and psychological factors on optimism and pessimism. Illustrates the interplay between optimism and pessimism that reflects the tension and harmony in life. This volume provides a forum in which leading, scholars, researchers, and practitioners involved with the study of optimism and pessimism are given the opportunity to examine the belief that pessimism should be thought of as a cost, and that optimism should be thought of as a benefit.