Cited by 335Optimism, Hope, and Well-beingPsychological Well-being and Life SatisfactionAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

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Become more optimistic by imagining a best possible self: Effects of a two week intervention

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Meevissen, Yvo M.C., Peters, Madelon L., Alberts, Hugo J.E.M.·2011·Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

DOI 10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.02.012

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Abstract

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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Authors: Meevissen, Y. M. C., Peters, M. L., & Alberts, H. J. E. M.
Affiliations: Maastricht University (NL)
Corresponding author: Meevissen, Yvo M.C.
ORCID: Peters, Madelon L.
Alberts, Hugo J.E.M.
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)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.02.012
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
Licence: www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
www.elsevier.com/legal/tdmrep-license (tdm)
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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Become more optimistic by imagining a best possible self: Effects of a two week intervention

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