Harnessing the imagination - Mental simulation, self-regulation, and coping

Author(s): Pham, L. B., Rivkin, I. D., Armor, D. A.

Journal/Book: Amer Psychol. 1998; 53: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 429-439.

Abstract: Mental simulation provides a window on the future by enabling people to envision possibilities and develop plans for bringing those possibilities about. In moving oneself from a current situation toward an envisioned future one, the anticipation and management of emotions and the initiation and maintenance of problem-solving activities are fundamental tasks. In the program of research described in this article, mental simulation of the process for reaching a goal or of the dynamics of an unfolding stressful event produced progress in achieving those goals or resolving those events. Envisioning successful completion of a goal or resolution of a stressor-recommendations derived from the self-help literature-did not. Discussion centers on the characteristics of effective and ineffective mental simulations and their relation to self-regulatory processes.

Note: Article Taylor SE, Univ Calif Los Angeles, Dept Psychol, 1283 Franz Hall, Los Angeles,CA 90095 USA

Keyword(s): EVENTS; EXPLANATION; RESPONSES; HEALTH

Zurück | Weiter