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Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 1/2010

Open Access 01-02-2010 | Original Article

Positive Psychology in Cancer Care: A Story Line Resistant to Evidence

Authors: James C. Coyne, Ph.D., Howard Tennen, Ph.D., Adelita V. Ranchor, Ph.D.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Aspinwall and Tedeschi (Ann Behav Med, 2010) summarize evidence they view as supporting links between positive psychological states, including sense of coherence (SOC) and optimism and health outcomes, and they refer to persistent assumptions that interfere with understanding how positive states predict health.

Purpose

We critically evaluate Aspinwall and Tedeschi’s assertions.

Methods

We examine evidence related to SOC and optimism in relation to physical health, and revisit proposed processes linking positive psychological states to health outcomes, particularly via the immune system in cancer.

Results

Aspinwall and Tedeschi’s assumptions regarding SOC and optimism are at odds with available evidence. Proposed pathways between positive psychological states and cancer outcomes are not supported by existing data. Aspinwall and Tedeschi’s portrayal of persistent interfering assumptions echoes a disregard of precedent in the broader positive psychology literature.

Conclusion

Positive psychology’s interpretations of the literature regarding positive psychological states and cancer outcomes represent a self-perpetuating story line without empirical support.
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Metadata
Title
Positive Psychology in Cancer Care: A Story Line Resistant to Evidence
Authors
James C. Coyne, Ph.D.
Howard Tennen, Ph.D.
Adelita V. Ranchor, Ph.D.
Publication date
01-02-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9157-9

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