Describe Taylor and Brown's ideas about unrealistic optimism. Is it good for you? Explain how unrealistic optimism could work to your benefit (be adaptive)? In what ways does it influence behavior? What are the implications for medical care?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer:
Unrealistic optimism includes seeing our chances of accomplishment as better than others' chances. But the upside is that we are more likely to be determined to achieve our goals, no matter how unrealistic, and often the extra determination, effort and focus are enough to make the difference in getting the job done. The planning fallacy, although leading to many items not getting done, continues to provide people with daily and weekly goals. So, optimism, no matter how misplaced, provides people with contentment, confidence, self-efficacy, feelings of personal control, and these lead to higher motivation and greater persistence. But could unrealistic optimism lead to poor health care, as in putting off medical examinations? There is no evidence for this. Overall, unrealistic optimism contributes to good psychological well-being and ultimately to good physical health.