New Study Highlights Importance Of Taking Control Of Your Own Story

Hi Yingyangyou.  This is Jonathan Adler, the author of the study.  I think you’re completely correct in suggesting that there is a profound impact of the things that happen to people and that abuse, poverty, and other objectively terrible experiences pose a much greater challenge for meaning-making than a failed ski trip.  That being said, the study this Radio Boston story covered included people from all across the socio-economic spectrum (the average income was $21,000-$40,000 per year, but there was a large standard deviation, inclduing people who earned less than $10,000 per year and those who earned over $100,000 per year) and also included people with a very wide range of problems, from common problems in life
(divorce, anticipating having a child, etc.) to significant psychopathology
(depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, etc.).  In fact, at least according to the variables we assessed, the population was quite similar to the treatment-seeking population in the United States more broadly.  Please note that the data don’t suggest that changing one’s narrative is “a cure for serious issues,” but it does suggest that changing one’s narrative can have a powerful impact on mental health – even for those with significant challenges.  It’s also certainly not advocating denial – as I said, the “best narratives” (those most potent for mental health) are the ones that include a real exploratory processing of the negative as well as a portrayal of the main character as being in control of his/her own recovery.  I hope this clarifies any concerns you may have had!

Life is about perspective.  And it seems to me that this study is about re-framing one’s perspective in a more positive light so that patients can find at least at some times that life is lighter.

The poorest American lives better then the poorest African and I think that would be a good basis for painting a picture of a life that could be much worse.  You have to start somewhere and even the most depressed among us in this country would be well served to be retaught the art of perspective and also gratitude.  There is a lot to be grateful for every day.

Though not part of this study I decided a few years back that I was going to learn to be Grateful and I was going to stop focusing on Negative Nonsense.  To not allow myself to get depressed about trivial things when in all fairness my life is so good.  I live in America, not Haiti.  I think I started this right after I quit smoking.  It started with the basic statement “Well at least I’m not smoking anymore.”  and the positivity has escalated from there.

I doubt this type of therapy is a total cure for more significant issues but it certainly will put a dent in anyones problems.