PSYC 3690 Chapter Notes -Positive Illusions

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 3690
• Professor: Benjamin Gottlieb

Document Summary

The results demonstrate the existence of ptg among an adolescent population and suggest that ptg can be related to important health behaviours such as substance use. Although researchers have extensively studied the negative outcomes of traumatic events, there is growing evidence indicating that these events can also lead to positive outcomes. The primary purpose of this study was to explore ptg among a younger population. Because children are less resilient than adults,w e assume that severe stressors experienced during childhood as compared to adulthood, have less potential for producing ptg. However, there is evidence suggesting that ptg is indeed possible among younger populations. Ptg is considered more than just adaptation or being resilient, it is thriving - moving beyond one s original levels of function. The nature of a traumatic experiences plays a role in subsequent growth. Trauma can shatter assumptions, and reduce positive illusions, to provide a window of realism through which one can concentrate on various existential matters.