Meaghan Shea Prof.

Ingram English 1103 036 4 December 2012 3-D Exercise The first, most notable group discussing my topic is composed of psychologists, who study the emotional and mental effects of positive thinking. Most commercially advertised in twelve-step programs across the board for various addictions, positivity is marketed as a staple of well-being. In longitudinal studies of people throughout their lives, people maintained a fairly average rating of their satisfaction with their life throughout it. If a woman was content in her twenties, she was likely almost equally as happy as a septuagenarian. Likewise, if a woman was unhappy in her twenties, she was relatively as unhappy as a septuagenarian (Melendez 294). Its generally agreed that a positive outlook is better than a negative outlook, because a positive outlook in and of itself can be self-fulfilling (Wedge). Of course, psychology and psychiatry are medical fields and extensive research was necessary to come to such a common-sense conclusion. Studies such as those conducted and reported by Juan Melendez, Ahmet Ozpolat, and Marilyn Wedge confirm such a belief. Medical doctors are equally as interested in the research presented by psychologists, and have even added their own contributions to such research from a greater physiological perspective. Such as in Norman Peales book, The Power of

Positive Thinking, doctors claim a multitude of physical improvements can stem from a mental disposition. This research is inextricable from the psychological data that supports it. Both psychiatric and medical doctors agree on the cyclical relationship between positive thinking, mental health, emotional health, and physical health. While the evidence is largely causal, it is vast enough to confirm, at least for now, a direct relationship between the four. The least obvious participant in the conversation around the ties between positive thinking and physical prosperity is the economic analyst. This group includes specifically those who seek to understand the major and unaddressed factors of the current economic downfall. Unknown to many, some claim that the positivity of businessmen and other promoters of capitalism (loan brokers, stocker marketers, etc.) was a fundamental piece that ultimately caused the economic crisis of the 21st century (Ehrenreich). It is not a popular belief, but its definitely a viably large one, that the optimism necessary to be successful in business can lead down a darker path. Many analysts claim that when the bubble burst in the early 2000s it was catastrophic because many of those controlling the flow of money did not think it would ever, ever happen. Stocks were bought, mortgage money was loaned without the anticipation of the burst, which is cyclical in the economic cycle. Thus, by refusing to recognize the disastrous consequences that could ensue, by entertaining that it would all work out in the best way possible, has indirectly caused our countrys economic decline.

Works Cited Ehrenreich, Barbara. Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America. New York: Metropolitan, 2009. Print. Melendez, Juan C., Jose M. Tomas, Amparo Oliver, and Esparanza Navarro. "Psychological and Physical Dimensions Explaining Life Satisfaction among the Elderly: A Structural Model Examination." Elsevier 48.3 (2009): 291-95. Science Direct. Web. 19 Sept. 2012. Ozpolat, Ahmet R., Isa Y. Isgor, and Fahri Sezer. "Investigating Psychological Well Being of University Students According to Lifestyles." Procedia 47 (2012): 256-62. Science Direct. Elsevier Ltd., 2012. Web. 19 Sept. 2012. Peale, Norman Vincent. The Power of Positive Thinking. New York: PrenticeHall, 1952. Print. Wedge, Marilyn, PhD. "Is Psychotherapy a Placebo?" Psychology Today. Sussex Publisher, LLC, 2012. Web. 19 Sept. 2012.