Become more optimistic by imagining a best possible self: Effects of a two week intervention

Abstract

Background and objectivesOptimism is a personality trait which has repeatedly been shown to correlate with, and predict psychological and physical well-being. The present study investigated whether optimism can be increased by imagining a best possible self (BPS). Effects were compared to a control group in which participants imagined their daily activities (DA). MethodsIn order to minimize inter-individual differences in content of imagery, participants constructed their BPS according to 3 domains, namely a personal, relational, and professional domain. All participants were instructed to practice their imagery exercise for 5 min per day over a period of two weeks. Effects on optimism and mood were measured after one session, after one week and after two weeks. ResultsResults indicated that BPS imagery led to significantly larger increases in optimism as compared to DA imagery, after one session and over a two week period. Effects on optimism remained after controlling for possible mediation by the change in positive mood. LimitationsIn order to test the effectiveness of our BPS imagery intervention we relied exclusively on self-report measures. ConclusionThe present study confirmed that imagining a BPS enhances levels of optimism, independent of the mood effect.