Document 0211
 DOCN  M94A0211
 TI    Do positive illusions foster mental health? An examination of the Taylor
       and Brown formulation.
 DT    9412
 AU    Colvin CR; Block J; Department of Psychology, University of California,
       Berkeley; 94720.
 SO    Psychol Bull. 1994 Jul;116(1):3-20. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94360029
 AB    The proposition recently offered by S. E. Taylor and J. D. Brown (1988)
       that positive illusions foster mental health has garnered considerable
       attention and acceptance. However, the significant theoretical and
       applied implications of their view for mental health require a critical
       evaluation of their argument. An examination of the logic and empirical
       evidence used to relate mental health to three key positive
       illusions--unrealistically positive views of the self, illusions of
       control, and unrealistic optimism--failed to substantiate Taylor and
       Brown's thesis. Further survey of more recent studies on positive
       illusions and mental health also failed to lend support to the Taylor
       and Brown generalization. Close consideration of several assumptions
       underlying the formulation raises further questions regarding their
       thesis. The present article concludes that it remains unproven that
       positive illusions foster mental health.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome  Cognition  Human  *Illusions
       *Mental Health  Self Concept  Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.  JOURNAL
       ARTICLE  REVIEW  REVIEW, TUTORIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).