Are there negatives effects of "positive thinking"? Book Review

So I haven't had much opportunity to read Mirror, Mirror as I just moved to Virginia, and have been busy doing moving-related stuff and also playing Pottermore.  However, while in the local library today, I happened to glance at Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America by Barbara Ehrenreich.  Generally I'm not attracted to non-fiction, but we were actually talking about positive thinking a few weeks ago at my previous job, so I guess it was sort of good timing.

I picked up the book just to kill time while my friend contemplating getting Outliers, and got completely enveloped in the first chapter.  Thus it was decided - this book had to come home with me.

I just finished the first 44 pages, and it is definitely a fascinating look into the (ironic) negative affects of positive thinking.  I suppose it sounds rather cynical and depressing to talk about.  I don't think the book by any means is trying to say "People should be sad!"  But it is important to recognize that putting on a false face of cheer definitely can have negative side effects.

So far, the author has talked about her experience with breast cancer and the "think positive" message that perpetuates breast cancer support groups.  She discusses (very thoroughly) how pervasive this theme is within not only help groups but the general breast cancer populace as a whole.  In fact, she mentions, there is even a common sentiment among breast cancer "battlers" (as they never use the word victim or patient - and integral part of the positive thinking vocabulary) and survivors that being diagnosed was a good thing that happened because it enabled them to discover what was really important in life and how to stop worrying needlessly about pointless things and focus on the things that matter (such as family).

Eventually, with about three pages left in the chapter, she gets to the point that the "thinking positively" is not scientifically proven to be at all effect, but can even have a negative impact when people feel forced to put on a smiling face while suppressing their urges to be angry and upset about the ultimate changes their life will take.  This can cause further stress.  Plus, while the power of positive thinking can make "battlers" feel like they actually have some control and gives them something to "do", it can also cause feelings of failure when the positive thinking does not actually succeed in preventing them from getting better.

This is all only in the Introduction and Chapter 1, I have much more to read, but I'm exciting to continue.  I do think there is some merit in thinking of positively.  First of all, if you're positive that means you're happier, right?  Isn't that what positive means?  And if you think positively, such as "I can do a good job," then you'll believe in yourself and try harder.  If you think negatively, that you won't do a good job, then that can make you give up sooner (why bother? I'll suck anyways), and then ultimately you won't do better.  It's a self fulfilling prophecy, and as my fencing instructor would constantly tell me, my biggest weakness as a fencer was mental -- I thought I would lose, so I did lose.  "Self fulling prophecy," as he always said.

Of course it seems completely logical and obvious that if you are forcing yourself to think positively, when inside you feel horrible, there's going to be a dissonance there that causes stress.

As far as the writing style goes, Ehrenreich is very conversational, easy to understand, and a pleasure to read.  Which is exactly the kind of non-fiction that I like.  Her anecdotes are interesting and add to the story, and the many examples she provides, while somewhat tedious at times, support her arguments well.

Anyways, I'm going to have to get back to this book so I can keep learning!