Positive thinking revisited: positive cognitions, well-being and mental health

There has been relatively little attention given to the issue of positive cognition in psychological research and therapy. This paper explores reasons for this neglect and presents empirical and conceptual support for the importance of positive cognition in mental health. Evidence is presented that positive and negative aspects of experience are mediated by separate psychological systems rather than being opposite ends of a single dimension. We then review research that describes the potential importance of positive cognition in psychological disorders, especially in recovery and relapse in depression. Finally, we present suggestions for evaluating the validity and helpfulness of positive cognitions within therapy, and discuss some therapeutic approaches that focus on increasing positive cognition and well-being. The case for positive cognitions being important is argued mainly in the context of depression and the therapeutic applications are discussed mainly in relation to cognitive therapy, but the arguments may well be applicable to other disorders and other therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.