Clinical Topics & Methods Category

The Positive Power of Negative Thinking

5 CE Hours
61 members have taken this course

This course has been retired. We regularly update our course catalog to ensure relevance.

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About the Course

The author challenges the tyranny of optimism by claiming that negative thinking is often a far better way to deal with anxiety than striving to stay positive. How often are we urged to "look on the bright side"? From Norman Vincent Peale to the ubiquitous smiley face, optimism has become an essential part of American society. In this long-overdue book, psychologist Julie Norem offers convincing evidence that, for many people, positive thinking is an ineffective strategy--and often an obstacle--for successfully coping with the anxieties and pressures of modern life. Drawing on her own research and many vivid case histories, Norem provides evidence of the powerful benefits of "defensive pessimism," which has helped millions to manage anxiety and perform their best work.

This course is based on the book, The Positive Power of Negative Thinking created by Julie K. Norem, Ph.D.

Course Material Author

Julie K. Norem, Ph.D.

Julie K. Norem, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Wellesley College. She has published numerous articles in psychology journals, most in the areas of personality and social behavior. Her approach, called Defensive Pessimism, has been cited in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Self Magazine, among others.

Julie K. Norem, Ph.D. authored the material only, and was not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.

Course Creator

Keith Gibson, Ph.D.

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 to learn an alternative way to deal with obsessions and anxieties/worries
  2. 2 to understand the concept of Defensive Pessimism and be able to apply it to work with clients
  3. 3 to learn how to help a person use their outlook to their advantage
  4. 4 to learn about research, including case studies, that supports the efficacy of Dr. Norem's approach

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Course Creator

Keith Gibson, Ph.D. – There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

$45

Course Details

5 CE Hours
Book
Course 10066

Availability

This course is retired. It is no longer available.

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