I'm putting together an episode for my podcast which will be about the differences between positive psychology and self-help oriented, positive thinking books and advocates (i.e., Napoleon Hill, Anthony Robbins, etc.). I was wondering if tipsters would like to add to my list of the differences between these two groups. There are definitely similarities between advocates of both groups (i.e., that in general thinking positively about events will probably be more helpful to you than thinking negatively), but I'd like to delineate where the differences lie. Here's my list of differences so far (in no particular order):
1) Positive thinking advocates borrow liberally from psychological research, but sometimes do not give credit to where their ideas came from. 2) Positive thinking authors sometimes make outrageous claims backed by no supporting evidence (example from The Secret's website: "The Secret explains with simplicity the law that is governing all lives, and offers the knowledge of how to create - intentionally and effortlessly - a joyful life. This is the secret to everything - the secret to unlimited happiness, love, health and prosperity.") 3) Positive thinking advocates simplify the nuances of constructive, positive ways of interpreting what happens to you (here I'm thinking of the work of Martin Seligman regarding causal attributions that can be internal or external, stable or unstable, global or specific). 4) Positive thinking advocates (like Joel Osteen for example) sometimes slip in religious themes (just not something psychologists are likely to do). 5) Overly zealous positive thinking can lead to blaming the victim. Why are people ill or have money troubles? Because they aren't thinking positively enough about their health and/or money. That is, it's your fault your life isn't going well. 6) Positive thinking sometimes masquerades as psychology and thus mis-represents psychology to the public (many of whom already think that psychology=psychotherapy). 7) Differences in perspective: positive thinkers put thoughts as the cause of emotions and behavior. Obviously behaviorists and insight oriented psychologist would posit that changing thoughts is just a bandaid - we need to address either behavior or underlying emotional conflict in order to change our thinking. 8) Frustration (or jealousy?): people like Anthony Robbins and other motivational speakers can make a lot of money simplifying a complex process whereas psychology researchers are not nearly so handsomely compensated for developing the ideas. Thoughts on this idea? I'd welcome any suggestions to add to this list. Michael -- Michael Britt, Ph.D. Host of The Psych Files Psychology in Everyday Life [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
