The most interesting source that I've came across is a series of three documents which are titled: "Opt For Optimism," "The Three R's of Change," and "Self-talk." It doesn't have a specific author listed, but the publishing company is Parlay International. These articles are interesting because they have allowed me to look at my topic in a new perspective, such as I mentioned in my first blog post. These articles have brought light to the effects a positive attitude has on the levels of stress, the value of one's self-worth, and even how much you sleep. The human body is a magnificent creation. We can endure extreme amounts of pain [physical or emotional], our brains are like a sponge, absorbing every bit of information that we can, and everything harmoniously works together in order to make us function. When the body and brain is put under stressful situations, havoc ensues. Headaches emerge, backaches form, and depression can mingle its way into your life if you allow it to. These articles have sparked many different directions I can go with this paper, so that excites me!
Much to my surprise, my research hasn't skewed me into any other direction. I'm hoping to find another source like these documents in the sense that it pushes me into an even more intriguing route for my bibliography. I want to do something along the lines of "In what ways does optimism shape our daily lives?" or maybe "Does seeing the glass half full or half empty alter your measure of success in life?"
I'm finding trouble in finding sources that could disprove my question.. I know that isn't necessarily something you have to have for upcoming papers this semester, but I'd like to battle this topic from a viewpoint that disagrees. I think it would be an interesting aspect to the paper, so hopefully as I dig deeper into researching, I'll find something!
This is a really interesting topic! I am having a hard time finding sources that have a different viewpoint as well. Your topic seems to me like it would have some opposing viewpoints though. You could maybe even post a question on Facebook and see what some of your friends believe and then use their opinions to argue against. I'm not sure if that would be a "reliable" source but you would probably get some opposing opinions. Also, if you go to the psychology department on campus you could interview some of the professors via e-mail or over the phone and see what their opinions are on optimism. I had professor Maisto last semester and he talked a lot about being positive and how that effects you. He asked us the first day of class: do you smile because you are happy or are you happy because you smile? He would probably be able to help you out a lot! Overall, you seem to be on the right start and your topic is extremely interesting!
ReplyDeleteI really like your topic! I think its very interesting, personally i feel being negative all the time puts bad stress on your body and heart. I would love to read your paper when you are through. I agree with the post before mine about posting on facebook and see what kind of responses you get.
ReplyDelete@Kirsten: I like the facebook idea! I'll definitely post a status soon, or just text some of my friends to see their opinions as well :) I had professor Maisto as well! He was fantastic; I'll have to go look back at some of my notes from his class, they will probably be helpful as well. Thank you for your comment!
ReplyDelete@Jordan: Thank you! And you can most definitely read it afterwards :)