Positive Thinking Article Summaries & References

Want to be Happier?

Researchers at the University of Southampton in the UK have found that reflecting on happy memories for just 20 minutes a day are more cheerful. Writing about happy memories also improves self esteem, according to studies by psychologist Tim Wildschut. (Krakovsky 2006) Think happy, be happy—just another reason to remain positive and optimistic.

Positive thinking linked to immune response
Melissa Rosenkranz and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin published findings in the Proceedings of the national Academy of Sciences, according to Eric Strand writing for Psychology Today, that show weak immune responses in the "face of negative emotions." The impaired immune response was only present when experimental subjects were given the task of writing about emotionally negative or disturbing moments in their lives. (Strand 2003)

Lung ills linked to thoughts of self-harm
According to the reports of a team of researchers led by Renee D. Goodwin of Columbia University, thoughts of suicide and self-harm are held far more often by sufferers of lung disorders, such as asthma, than by people treated for other physical illnesses. (Bower 2003) The mind/body connection cannot be ignored. Pythagoras said, "Above all else, know thyself." We believe that you cannot know yourself until you accept, embrace and love your true self! This much is for sure, loving yourself is definitely connected with health, happiness and longevity.

Living with an attitude
The headline read, "Staying Alive with Attitude" and the article detailed the findings of Yale University psychologist, Becca R. Levy. Scientific data demonstrated the powerful influence of attitude on life expectancy….surprise, surprise. Subjects with a positive attitude and outlook about aging outlived those with a dim view on life as a senior by 7 1/2 years. According to Levy, "These individuals positive self-perception prolonged their lives." (Bower 2002)

The bright side of things
New research by Deborah D. Danner supports a growing body of research that shows how important attitude is to health and longevity. Danner of the University of Kentucky in Lexington and her colleagues, who published their findings in the May Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, demonstrated evidence that "expressing happiness, interest, love and other positive feelings enhances physical health."