J Clin Psychol September 2002 PMID 12209860

The positive psychology of negative thinking.

Julie K Norem, Edward C Chang

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Mentions

18
Peak: 3 in Apr 2021
across 4 sources since Nov 2018

Extended reach

301,129
potential audience

Total likes

11,874

Video views

291,267

Mentions per month

Nov 2018 – Apr 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News9 articles
  • X / Twitter6 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a balanced interest, as seen in references to defensive pessimism research and critiques of toxic positivity, with words like 'illustrate,' 'beneficial,' and 'nuanced' highlighting their analytical tone. The dismissive remark about 'Pollyannas' indicates some opposition but overall, the conversations show an appreciation for the complexity of psychological strategies, emphasizing that negativity can sometimes serve positive psychological functions.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most comments acknowledge the value of negative thinking in certain contexts, supported by references to research on defensive pessimism and nuanced perspectives on positivity.

InterestHigh interest

The discussion demonstrates high engagement with the topic of how negativity can be beneficial, with mentions of research, authors, and relevant concepts like toxic positivity.

EngagementModerate engagement

The posts show moderate to deep engagement, including referencing works by Dr. Julie Norem, social research, and critiques, indicating thoughtful reflection rather than superficial commentary.

ImpactModerate impact

The discourse indicates some influence on perceptions of mental strategies, with comments suggesting a reevaluation of positivity norms, though not universally transformative.

Abstract in brief

  • The article emphasizes that, while positive psychology focuses on optimism, it is important to recognize that negative thinking and pessimism can sometimes be beneficial, especially for personal growth and performance.
  • It highlights that individual differences, cultural contexts, and specific situations influence whether optimism or pessimism is more advantageous, suggesting a need for a more nuanced approach rather than a one-size-fits-all mindset.
  • The piece also critiques American cultural and psychological research for potentially undervaluing the negative aspects of optimism, pointing out that cautious pessimism can sometimes serve a positive psychological function.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
MissAnthrope
@LyssAnthrope · X

@PsychToday "Toxic positivity" does not mean that positive emotion is toxic. "Toxic positivity" is a simplistic expectation of universal positivity, which is not always beneficial & can invalidate & inhibit emotion https://t.co/uhoslP9dz7 https://t.co/ngiOjfGUQ0 https://t.co/Ub7isXYZ6h

Apr 17, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,239 followers View post →
Chris Shambrook
@chrisshambrook · X

@michaelgervais https://t.co/ndCG9bnV2m Plus Dr Julie Norem https://t.co/nXb2lYs53A There is a book too.

Apr 16, 2021 · 1 like · 3,361 followers View post →
Ekoloji-Ekonomi
@EkolojiE · X

Ayrıca bak: https://t.co/YTC7s4ym0q https://t.co/kcpejIzbZk

Jul 16, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,882 followers View post →
My ₿itcoin Family
@mybitcoinfamily · X

@NatureSchoolSU May be helpful. "We use defensive pessimism research to illustrate that there are times when pessimism and negative thinking are indeed positive psychology, as they lead to better performance and personal growth." https://t.co/Fi6uzOP7uP

Apr 5, 2025 · 1 like · 1,243 followers View post →
Ekoloji-Ekonomi
@EkolojiE · X

RT @EkolojiE: Ayrıca bak: https://t.co/YTC7s4ym0q https://t.co/kcpejIzbZk

Feb 14, 2023 · 1 share · 1,882 followers View post →
Erellaxxy
@Erellaxxy · X

RT @LyssAnthrope: @PsychToday "Toxic positivity" does not mean that positive emotion is toxic. "Toxic positivity" is a simplistic expectati…

Apr 17, 2021 · 1 share · 158 followers View post →

All mentions

My ₿itcoin Family
@mybitcoinfamily · X

@NatureSchoolSU May be helpful. "We use defensive pessimism research to illustrate that there are times when pessimism and negative thinking are indeed positive psychology, as they lead to better performance and personal growth." https://t.co/Fi6uzOP7uP

Apr 5, 2025 · 1 like · 1,243 followers View post →
Ekoloji-Ekonomi
@EkolojiE · X

RT @EkolojiE: Ayrıca bak: https://t.co/YTC7s4ym0q https://t.co/kcpejIzbZk

Feb 14, 2023 · 1 share · 1,882 followers View post →
Ekoloji-Ekonomi
@EkolojiE · X

Ayrıca bak: https://t.co/YTC7s4ym0q https://t.co/kcpejIzbZk

Jul 16, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,882 followers View post →
Erellaxxy
@Erellaxxy · X

RT @LyssAnthrope: @PsychToday "Toxic positivity" does not mean that positive emotion is toxic. "Toxic positivity" is a simplistic expectati…

Apr 17, 2021 · 1 share · 158 followers View post →
MissAnthrope
@LyssAnthrope · X

@PsychToday "Toxic positivity" does not mean that positive emotion is toxic. "Toxic positivity" is a simplistic expectation of universal positivity, which is not always beneficial & can invalidate & inhibit emotion https://t.co/uhoslP9dz7 https://t.co/ngiOjfGUQ0 https://t.co/Ub7isXYZ6h

Apr 17, 2021 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,239 followers View post →
Chris Shambrook
@chrisshambrook · X

@michaelgervais https://t.co/ndCG9bnV2m Plus Dr Julie Norem https://t.co/nXb2lYs53A There is a book too.

Apr 16, 2021 · 1 like · 3,361 followers View post →
Iva Cheung
@ivacheung.com · Bluesky

Yeah, so fuck off, Pollyannas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDEy6zfMkE0

May 13, 2019 View post →
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