Symposium on Meaning & Optimism | S16 Part 1 | Meaning Conference 2002

Realistic Optimism Meets Motivated Self-Deception: Focus on Meaning and Knowledge
2 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. Symposium on Meaning & Optimism
Chair - Zander Ponzo, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Sandra L. Schneider, Ph.D., Department of Psychology and College of Arts & Sciences, University of South Florida

Up until recently, the typical hallmark of mental health has included a firm grasp on reality. Several researchers, however, have suggested that people are actually healthier mentally if their sense of reality is biased in a positive direction. In contrast, some researchers are studying the pitfalls of these same sorts of biases, suggesting that they may lead to denial of risks and reduced preventive behaviors, poorer coping mechanisms, increased interpersonal conflict, and narcissistic tendencies.

So, how can one tell if positively biased thinking is likely to be helpful or harmful? I suggest that the answer rests on the difference between realistic optimism and motivated self-deception. I will present a model of realistic appraisal that acknowledges the inherent fuzziness of concepts, and differentiates personal meaning and factual knowledge. This model captures the reality-orientation of positive biases, identifying those biases that are most likely to be helpful versus harmful. It also highlights the pivotal role of active engagement in life and demonstrates the importance of distinctions between hopes, aspirations, and expectations. Evidence of the usefulness of the model in a wide variety of domains will be presented.

Educational objectives:
1) To differentiate between realistic optimism and motivated self-deception and discuss their implications for mental health.
2) To present a model of realistic appraisal that acknowledges the inherent fuzziness of concepts, and differentiates personal meaning and factual knowledge.
3) To highlight the pivotal role of active engagement in life and demonstrates the importance of distinctions between hopes, aspirations, and expectations.
4) To present evidence of the usefulness of the model in a variety of domains.

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