Become more optimistic by imagining a best possible self: Effects of a two week intervention
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Background and objectives Optimism is a personality trait which has repeatedly been shown to correlate with, and predict psychological and physical well-being. The present study investigated whether optimism can be increased by imagining a best possible self (BPS). Effects were compared to a control group in which participants imagined their daily activities (DA).Methods In order to minimize inter-individual differences in content of imagery, participants constructed their BPS according to 3 domains, namely a personal, relational, and professional domain. All participants were instructed to practice their imagery exercise for 5 min per day over a period of two weeks. Effects on optimism and mood were measured after one session, after one week and after two weeks.Results Results indicated that BPS imagery led to significantly larger increases in optimism as compared to DA imagery, after one session and over a two week period. Effects on optimism remained after controlling for possible mediation by the change in positive mood.Limitations In order to test the effectiveness of our BPS imagery intervention we relied exclusively on self-report measures.Conclusion The present study confirmed that imagining a BPS enhances levels of optimism, independent of the mood effect.
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PP has established benefits on mood, resilience, well-being, and optimism.
“Regarding direct effects of PP on activity, the established benefits of PP on mood, resilience, well-being, and optimism (pathway B1) [41, 54, 124, 125] are associated with increased physical activity (pathway B2) [48, 88, 123, 131, 132].”
From Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development (2015) · cites this paper as [125]
PP exercises have led to increased optimism and outcome expectancy, confidence and self-efficacy, and greater perceived social support and interpersonal connectedness.
“PP exercises have led to increased optimism and outcome expectancy [124, 125], confidence and self-efficacy [126], and greater perceived social support and interpersonal connectedness (pathway A1) [127, 128].”
From Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development (2015) · cites this paper as [125]
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Meevissen, Y. M. C., Peters, M. L., & Alberts, H. J. E. M.
- Affiliations
- Maastricht University (NL)
- Corresponding author
- Meevissen, Yvo M.C.
- Venue
- Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2011-09
- Volume
- 42
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 371-378
- ISSN
- 0005-7916 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2112854993
- Cited by
- 335
- References
- 52
- Citations by year
- 2026: 10 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 21 · 2022: 27 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 38 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 24 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 9
- FWCI
- 21.70
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- Funders
- NWO
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- optimism, best possible self, mental imagery, imagery intervention, mood, positive mood, personality trait change, self-concept
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Affect, Female, Humans, Male, Motivation, Neurotic Disorders, Personality, Personality Inventory, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Psychotherapy, Brief, Imagery, Psychotherapy, Self Report
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