• DOI:10.1037/0033-2909.103.2.193
Corpus ID: 762759

Illusion and well-being: a social psychological perspective on mental health.

@article{Taylor1988IllusionAW,
  title={Illusion and well-being: a social psychological perspective on mental health.},
  author={S. E. Taylor and J. D. Brown},
  journal={Psychological bulletin},
  year={1988},
  volume={103 2},
  pages={
          193-210
        }
}

• S. E. Taylor, J. D. Brown
• Published 1988
• Psychology, Medicine
• Psychological bulletin

Many prominent theorists have argued that accurate perceptions of the self, the world, and the future are essential for mental health. Yet considerable research evidence suggests that overly positive selfevaluations, exaggerated perceptions of control or mastery, and unrealistic optimism are characteristic of normal human thought. Moreover, these illusions appear to promote other criteria of mental health, including the ability to care about others, the ability to be happy or contented, and the… Expand