Positive Illusions of Well-Being and Irrationality: Implications for Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy

Author: Kinney A.

Source: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, Volume 30, Number 4, 2000 , pp. 401-415(15)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The present manuscript attempts to integrate Taylor & Amor (1996) and Taylor & Brown's (1988) formulation regarding positive illusions and well-being within the context of rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT). It is argued that while positive illusions may be functional in promoting psychological well-being, extreme forms of positive illusions are based on underlying irrational processes characterized by positive and negative distortions in thinking. The long-term consequences of pervasive and persistent self-deception strategies are argued to depend on level of self-deception. Extreme forms of positive illusions reflect irrational processes that can interfere with the development of a mature, healthy view of self. Implications for the practice of REBT are discussed.

Keywords: positive illusions; rational-emotive behavior therapy; self-deception; irrational

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: akinney@utica.ucsu.edu

Publication date: 2000-01-01