A plea for realistic pessimism: On objective reality, coping with stress, and psychological dysfunction

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In summary, this study shows that illusions do help to uphold (or, at least, do not impair) health in the short run. But this is not the case in the long run. Disappointments because of illusions produce depression to a much larger extent in the case of prolonged unemployment than in the group that started out with few illusions. I am aware, of course, that such a result has to be replicated, and that the sample on which the study is based is rather small. However, these kinds of results may suggest that it is unwise to produce hope in the unemployed when there is little objective evidence that they will find a job in the near future.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLife Crises and Experiences of Loss in Adulthood
EditorsLeo Montada, Sigrun-Heide Filipp, Melvin J. Lerner
Number of pages14
PublisherTaylor and Francis Inc.
Publication date13.05.1992
Pages81-94
ISBN (print)9781315807171
ISBN (electronic)9781317782759
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13.05.1992
Externally publishedYes

DOI