'Positive thinking' updates

[Jackie07]

Ever since I was given the book Head First: The Biology of Hope and the Healing Power of the Human Spirit written by Norman Cousins before my brain tumor surgery in summer, 1990, I have embraced the idea of 'positive thinking' because it fits my personality and because of the evidence presented in the book (such as the role of endorphin] was compelling.

Below is the listing of three current articles - including one (with abstract) on the role of caregivers (nurses) and how their attitude/action could impact the patients.


The paradox of positive thinking.
Van Allen EM.
J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jul 1;29(19):2730-1. Epub 2011 Mar 21. No abstract available.
[Full text: http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/29/19/2730.full?ct]


http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/positive-thinking-affects-patients-illnesses.html


Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2010 Sep;14(4):283-90. Epub 2010 Apr 24.
Ensnared by positivity: a constructivist perspective on 'being positive' in cancer care.

McCreaddie M, Payne S, Froggatt K.
Source

Nursing and Midwifery, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK. may.mccreaddie@stir.ac.uk
Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The concept of 'positive thinking' emerged in cancer care in the 1990s. The usefulness of this approach in cancer care is under increasing scrutiny with existing research, definitions and approaches debated. Nurses may wish to judiciously examine the debate in context and consider its relevance in relation to their experience and clinical practice.
PURPOSE:

To offer a constructivist perspective on 'being positive' we extract data from a constructivist grounded theory study on humour in healthcare interactions in order to identify implications for practice and future research.
METHODS:

We offer three areas for consideration. First, we briefly review the emergence of 'positive thinking' within cancer care. Second, we present data from a grounded theory study on humour in healthcare interactions to highlight the prevalence of this discourse in cancer care and its contested domains. We conclude with implications for practice and future research.
FINDINGS:

Patients actively seek meaningful and therapeutic interactions with healthcare staff and 'being positive' may be part of that process. Being positive has multiple meanings at different time-points for different people at different stages of their cancer journey. Patients may become ensnared by positivity through its uncritical acceptance and enactment.
CONCLUSION:

Positive thinking does not exist in isolation but as part of a complex, dynamic, multi-faceted patient persona enacted to varying degrees in situated healthcare interactions. Nurses need to be aware of the potential multiplicity of meanings in interactions and be able (and willing) to respond appropriately.