Positive illusions are unrealistically favorable attitudes that people have towards themselves or to people that are close to them. Positive illusions are a form of self-deception or self-enhancement that feel good, maintain self-esteem or stave off discomfort at least in the short term. There are three broad kinds: inflated assessment of one's own abilities, unrealistic optimism about the future and an illusion of control. The term "positive illusions" originates in a 1988 paper by Taylor and Brown.
There are controversies about the extent to which people reliably demonstrate positive illusions, and also about whether these illusions are beneficial to the people who have them.
Read more about Positive Illusions: Types, Origins, Benefits and Liabilities, Negative Counterparts, Mitigation, See Also
Famous quotes containing the words positive and/or illusions:
“Men just don’t “get” that the reason to become involved is for ourselves. Doing more with our children won’t simply make women happier or keep them “off our backs,” but will create a deeper, more positive connection with the kids.”
—Ron Taffel (20th century)
“Experience comprises illusions lost, rather than wisdom gained.”
—Joseph Roux (1834–1886)