Do “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation” or are we actually pretty happy most of the time? As it turns out humans are far more resilient than you think. Ever heard of the term “affective forecasting“? It’s something we do every day and very often we make mistakes doing it. In this episode you’ll learn more about positive psychology from the authors of a new book called Pollyanna’s Revenge. Another myth put to rest: “depressive realism” – the idea that there’s an advantage to being depressed – that depressed people are more realistic about the world than non-depressed people. That’s not so either and I think you’ll find a lot of interesting information in this episode about what affects your own level of happiness. Join me for a fascinating discussion about how we really react to the ups and downs of life.
Resources on Pollyanna’s Revenge and on Positive Psychology
- Pollyanna’s Revenge: How Memory AND Emotion Foster Happiness
- The authors maintain a twitter feed and blog for their book and on positive psychology news and information
- Info about the Northern Illinois University shooting
- A summary of the research on depressive realism
- A summary of the research on negativity bias
Charlotte
October 6, 2014Hello Michael,
I am have only recently discovered your podcast and am pleased to say that it is simply wonderful and very fascinating. Though not studying or practicing psychology myself, I am an artist who is fascinated in the way our memories and life event affect our decisions and value systems as individuals or as a society.
After listening to 227 I jumped to your website to try and find the information of the book you were discussing with the authors. The topic is extremely relevant to my interests, and like all good things in life, you discover something you never knew you needed when you least expect it!
Well done on such an interesting and fascinating podcast. I have listened to episodes that are relevant to my art making and all of them have been informative.
So thank you, from an extremely excited artist from the other side of the world.
Michael
October 6, 2014You’re very kind – thanks so much! Really brightened my day. I love the field and I try to get people to see how fascinating psychology is. Glad it’s working and good luck with your studies.
Evan
October 6, 2014Love your podcast! I am at the beginning of my long scholastic road of becoming a psychologist and I listen to your podcast often, to reset my perspective and to hear your unique and ballenced perspective that is rare among psy professionals today. Your podcast is the inspiration I need and the reminder that I listen to when studying becomes monotonous. Thank you sir. Be Blessed.