Understand the point of view of positive illusions not just from the point of view of the author Steven G Carley MS but also from that of Max Wertheimer, B. F. Skinner, William James, and even Charles Darwin. In understanding the contribution of human thought and behavior to personal well-being, the construction of the interdisciplinary field of health psychology is in existence. Self-perceptions are not 100% accurate and at times are unrealistically positive. This unrealistic positive illusion, accordingly refers as positive illusions (Taylor & Gollwitzer, 1995). The question arises of whether or not such illusions can be healthy. Depression leads to fewer positive illusions, suggesting an absence of positive illusions can be a predisposition to symptoms of depression. The result is positive mental health despite self-views as unrealistic. This belief challenges the conventional norms to mental health who argue, it is accurate self-perceptions leading to mental health. Unrealistic perceptions are more unhealthy more so than realistic ones. Evidence to support positive illusions improve mental well-being are scarce, a high perception of the self does not mean one’s self-perception another may view as inaccurate. It may be difficult to argue the individual with positive illusions is more mentally healthy than those with realistic self-perceptions (Primis Online, 2008, p. 106).
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