Positive Psychological Interventions and Self‐Perceptions:A Cautionary Tale

Abstract

According to Allport (1937), "an impartial and objective attitude toward oneself is held to be a primary virtue, basic to the development of all others … if any trait of personality is intrinsically desirable, it is the disposition and ability to see oneself in perspective" (p. 422). Similarly, Jahoda (1953) claimed that a hallmark of healthy individuals is considering "matters one wishes were different, without distorting them to fit these wishes" (p. 349). In line with the viewpoints of these and other forerunners in psychology, this chapter presents a case for positive psychological interventions that promote positive yet realistic self-perceptions. Our recommendation arises from research showing that unrealistically positive self-perceptionsdeemed self-enhancement -can actually hinder a person from succeeding and functioning optimally, whereas accurate self-perceptions yield a host of beneficial outcomes. In particular, we have conducted experiments directly comparing self-enhancement to accurate self-perceptions and consistently found that the former is detrimental, whereas the latter promotes academic excellence, motivation to improve and achieve, and psychological well-being. Likewise, robust research from within positive psychology supports this claim, which we will review in this chapter. Taking into account this body of evidence, interventions may be most effective in helping people to flourish if they encourage positive but realistic selfperceptions and if they provide effective methods to advance from a current, realistic self to a future, idealistic self. Indeed, in order to improve, be more successful, and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives, individuals need to have an accurate sense of themselves, their current abilities, and their current shortcomings, and to take action accordingly.Furthermore, emphasizing realistic self-perceptions within positive psychological interventions separates positive psychology from other trends that promote artificial positive thinking. These trends, such as the self-esteem movement, the

When self-help materials help: Examining the effects of self-discrepancy and modes of delivery of positive self-statements

“…Our findings also show support to Killam and Kim's (2014) claim that recent trends in 'popular psychology' such as the 'power-of-positive-thinking movement' or 'The Secret' can be harmful because of their focuses on unrealistic positive thinking. This argument is supported by the observation that unrealistic positive self-perception leads to various undesirable outcomes such as higher level of depression (Kim & Chiu, 2011).…”

“…This argument is supported by the observation that unrealistic positive self-perception leads to various undesirable outcomes such as higher level of depression (Kim & Chiu, 2011). Thus, Killam and Kim (2014) maintained that positive psychological interventions must avoid encouraging people to engage in unrealistic positive thinking; instead, people should be encouraged to learn to build realistic self-concepts, to identify the discrepancies between their realistic and ideal selves, and to learn to build bridge between the gap. The effect of the modes of delivery…”

Cognitive‐affective responses to online positive‐psychological interventions: The effects of optimistic, grateful, and self‐compassionate writing

“…Interestingly, participants in the gratitude condition also used more negative emotion words in their writings compared with control participants. This finding highlights that some positive‐psychological interventions do require participants to confront unpleasant emotions while experiencing positive emotions at the same time (Killam & Kim, 2014). In addition, participants in the gratitude condition used more negative emotion words in their writings compared with control participants and although participants in the BPS intervention did not show an increased use of negative emotion words, the use of such words was unrelated to positive affect, whereas in the control condition a negative relationship was observed.…”

“…In addition, participants in the gratitude condition used more negative emotion words in their writings compared with control participants and although participants in the BPS intervention did not show an increased use of negative emotion words, the use of such words was unrelated to positive affect, whereas in the control condition a negative relationship was observed. This finding suggests that some positive‐psychological interventions do require participants to confront unpleasant emotions and that positive‐psychological interventions might help to facilitate an adaptive integration of negative emotional states, probably through simultaneously experiencing positive emotions (Killam & Kim, 2014).…”

Therapeutic Encouragement as Conceptualized by South Korean Youth Counselors

“…Given that depressed youth are prone to having a negative self‐view (Jacobs et al, 2008), the primary intent of this type of encouragement is to help clients shift their cognitive focus toward a realistic yet positive self‐view. By redirecting their attention to already existing positive qualities, counselors assist clients in experiencing a healthier form of self‐relating (Killam & Kim, 2014).…”