We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

Could Positive Thinking Do More Harm Than Good?

Constant optimism and positive thinking could potentially harm us psychologically, since negative emotions can be just as important as positive ones.

By Rafael Euba
Oct 5, 2022 2:00 PMOct 5, 2022 8:53 PM
Optimism
(Credit: eamesBot/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Chasing happiness can be like chasing an elusive ghost and some say they know how to obtain it through positive thinking.

Norman Vincent Peale popularized positive thinking with his best-selling book The Power of Positive Thinking, published in 1952. Some would say the book’s ideas have underpinned the self-help movement and are now embedded in our culture.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.