---
title: "Positive thinking does not mean ‘ignoring problems’!"
description: "Positive thinking does not mean ‘ignoring problems’!"
url: https://uha.com.tr/positive-thinking-does-not-mean-ignoring-problems
type: article
language: en
last_updated: 2026-03-30
category: saglik
---

## Kaynak ve Yayıncı Bilgisi

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## ÜHA Hakkında
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eğitim sunan ilk ve tek tematik üniversitesi olan Üsküdar Üniversitesi bünyesindeki profesyonel
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multidisipliner çalışma modeli ve etik değerlere bağlılığı sayesinde hastalarına güvenilir,
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hekimlerinin görüşleri ile desteklenmektedir.

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# Positive thinking does not mean ‘ignoring problems’!

## Bilgi

| Özellik | Değer |
|---------|-------|
| **Kategori** | saglik |
| **Yayın Tarihi** | 2026-03-30 |
| **Güncelleme** | 2026-03-30 |
| **Kaynak** | [Üsküdar Haber Ajansı](https://uha.com.tr/positive-thinking-does-not-mean-ignoring-problems) |

## Özet

Experts state that positive thinking means developing a solution-oriented and constructive perspective by accepting realities, while Polyannaism is a state of false optimism by ignoring problems.

## İçerik

Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir, pointing out that being a Polyanna can harm psychological health in the long run, said, “Disappointment grows; because life is not always as ‘rosy’ as expected. In psychology, this situation is sometimes also called ‘toxic positivity’.” Demir emphasized that positive thinking is a powerful tool in coping with difficulties, stating that it supports healthier stress management, problem-solving, and strengthening social relationships.

Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir from Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi provided information about the differences between positive thinking and Polyannaism (excessive optimism), the psychological benefits of positive thinking, and the potential harms of excessive optimism (toxic positivity).

**An excessive state of optimism where realities are ignored: Polyannaism**

Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir stated that true strength lies in accepting difficulties and seeing opportunities within them, rather than seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses. She said, “In psychology literature, positive thinking is defined as looking at events with hope, a solution-oriented, and constructive eye. Martin Seligman’s positive psychology studies scientifically support this approach. Positive thinking develops an individual’s ability to see opportunities even in negative situations.”

On the other hand, Demir reminded that the concept of ‘Polyannaism’ comes from the novel Pollyanna, written by Eleanor Porter in 1913. She stated, “The little girl in the novel tries to find a reason to be happy no matter what. Over time, this concept has come to be used to mean ‘being overly optimistic by ignoring realities’.”

**Positive thinking is about accepting realities and developing a constructive perspective! **
 потребно

Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir, emphasizing that the difference between positive thinking and the Polyanna approach is very critical, said the following:

“Positive thinking is about accepting realities and developing a constructive perspective towards them. Being a Polyanna, on the other hand, is about ignoring problems, denying negativities, and creating a false optimism. To illustrate with an example; if you are having problems at work, positive thinking is asking ‘How can I solve this?’ The Polyanna approach means ‘Actually, there are no problems, everything is great!’”

**Denying realities delays the solution of problems!**

Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir stated that although excessive optimism may seem comforting in the short term, it can harm psychological health in the long term, adding, “Because denying realities delays the solution of problems.”

Demir emphasized that suppressing emotions increases the risk of anxiety and depression, stating, “Disappointment grows; because life is not always as ‘rosy’ as expected. In psychology, this situation is sometimes also called ‘toxic positivity’, meaning the state of ignoring that negative emotions are also natural and necessary.”

**Positive thinking is a powerful tool in coping with difficulties!**

Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir noted that positive thinking is a powerful tool in coping with difficulties, stating, “Research shows that individuals with a positive outlook develop better problem-solving skills, manage stress more healthily, and build stronger social relationships.”

Citing the ‘Broaden-and-Build Theory’ developed in 1998, Demir stated that positive emotions increase mental resources, enhance creativity, and support personal growth.

**Positive thinking is not about underestimating or ignoring life's challenges!**

Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir, pointing out that there are ways to distinguish positive thinking from Polyannaism, concluded her words as follows:

“Developing realistic optimism, meaning accepting negativity and saying ‘I can cope with this.’ Not suppressing emotions. Allowing emotions like sadness, anger, and anxiety and expressing them in a healthy way. Being solution-oriented. Adopting the approach of ‘I can take these steps to solve this’ instead of ‘Everything will be fine.’ Thinking flexibly. Adapting by accepting life’s ups and downs as natural.

Positive thinking is not about underestimating or ignoring life’s challenges. On the contrary, it is about seeing the truth and displaying a more hopeful, solution-oriented, and resilient attitude. While Polyanna-style excessive optimism may provide short-term relief, it can exacerbate problems in the long run.”

## Akademik Referans

DOI: [https://doi.org/10.32739/uha.id.88339](https://doi.org/10.32739/uha.id.88339)

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*Kaynak: [Üsküdar Haber Ajansı](https://uha.com.tr) — https://uha.com.tr/positive-thinking-does-not-mean-ignoring-problems*