Behav Res Ther March 2016 PMID 26802793

The power of positive thinking: Pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Claire Eagleson, Sarra Hayes, Andrew Mathews, Gemma Perman, Colette R Hirsch

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Mentions

74
Peak: 1 in Jun 2021
across 4 sources since Jun 2021

Extended reach

10,792
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Total likes

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Jun 2021 – Oct 2025

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The group shows strong agreement with the study, as many discuss how the findings support the effectiveness of positive thinking techniques in reducing worry, using words like 'supported' and 'finally' to indicate relief and validation. Interest is high, evidenced by questions and personal reflections, while tone varies from hopeful to analytical, reflecting engagement and recognition of the potential real-world impact.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most comments express agreement with the study's findings, with some explicitly noting support for the idea that thought replacement techniques reduce worry in GAD.

InterestHigh interest

Discussions show high curiosity, referencing the positive results and the potential benefits for individuals with anxiety disorders.

EngagementModerate engagement

People are engaging by reflecting on their own experiences and contemplating the implications of the research, though some comments are more superficial.

ImpactModerate impact

The discourse hints at a moderate recognition that this research could influence therapeutic approaches, but broader societal impact isn’t deeply emphasized.

Abstract in brief

  • The study explored ways to reduce worry in individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) by having participants practice replacing their typical verbal worry thoughts with either positive mental images, positive verbal outcomes, or unrelated positive images, with all methods showing benefits.
  • After a week of practicing these techniques, all groups experienced decreased anxiety and worry, and there were no significant differences in effectiveness between the different positive thinking strategies.
  • This suggests that regardless of whether the positive thoughts are visual or verbal, or directly related to worries, any form of positive ideation can help counteract worry in GAD patients.

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⛦ (Ky) Kyrus Frei
@FreiKyrus · X

But! I think I finally picked one. So. "The power of positive thinking: pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in Generalized Anxiety Disorder" (Which was found to be supported by the study.)

Jun 24, 2021 · 3 likes · 10,678 followers View post →

All mentions

⛦ (Ky) Kyrus Frei
@FreiKyrus · X

But! I think I finally picked one. So. "The power of positive thinking: pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in Generalized Anxiety Disorder" (Which was found to be supported by the study.)

Jun 24, 2021 · 3 likes · 10,678 followers View post →