Titel

1
Titel
From Fantasy to Action
Gabriele Oettingen New York University/University
of Hamburg
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Positive Thinking is Positive Self-Help
Literature
Norman Vincent Peale The Power of Positive
Thinking (1985-1994) Napoleon Hill Success
of Positive Thinking (2005)Mathias Matuschka
The Happy-End Universe (2004)Annemarie
Trixner (2003) Be Happy, You will Succeed!
3
Overview
Overview
Expectation versus Fantasy Mental Contrasting of
Fantasy and Reality Intervention and Individual
Differences
4
Positive ThinkingExpectations versus Fantasies
5
Expectations versus Fantasies
Expectations Probability judgments Fantasies
Free thoughts
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James citation 1
Everyone knows the difference between imagining a
thing and believing in its existence, between
supposing a proposition and acquiescing in its
truth.
James, 1890, p. 283
7
Positive Expectations
Positive Expectations
reflect past success signal that acting is
worthwhile
and necessary predict more motivation
8
Positive Fantasies
Positive Fantasies
independent of past success fail to signal
that action is worthwhile and necessary
predict less motivation
9
Entering Professional Life
10
Expectation (Entering professional life)
Expectation 1 2 (Hip Replacement)
How probable do you think it is that youll find
an adequate position in your field?
not at all probable
very probable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11
Example (Entering professional life)
Work in a biochemical laboratory 
After my graduation a member of the research
group is leaving, the vacant position gets
advertised, and I succeed to take over the
position due to my achievements in the past and
my ability to fit in.
12
Data (Entering professional life)
Entering Professional Life as Predicted by
Expectation and Fantasy
Datenfolie
Number of Applications
Number of Job Offers
Amount of Salary
p lt .001
p lt . 05
.41
.33
Partial Correlation Coefficient
-.04
-.29
-.40
-.39
p lt .05
p lt .01
p lt .01
Expectation
Oettingen Mayer (2002, Study 1). Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 83, 1198-1212.
Fantasy
13
Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery
14
Expectation 12 (Recovery)
How likely do you think it is, that 2 weeks after
surgery you will be able to go for a brief walk
using an assistive cane?
Expectation 1 2 (Hip Replacement)
not at all likely
very likely
1 2 3 4 5
How likely do you think it is, that 2 weeks after
surgery you will be walking on stairs up and down
with the help of an assistive cane?
not at all likely
very likely
1 2 3 4 5
15
Positive Fantasy (Recovery)
At the end of your hospital stay you want to buy
a newspaper in the hospital shop ...
I am walking on the stair-ways downwards without
help, and I walk easily and quickly to the
newspaper stand.
How positive were these thoughts or images?
not at all positive
very positive
1 2 3 4 5
How negative were these thoughts or images?
not at all negative
very negative
1 2 3 4 5
16
Negative Fantasy (Recovery)
At the end of your hospital stay you want to buy
a newspaper in the hospital shop ...
I am trying to walk to the door first, using my
cane. But how shall I open the door? Uh, and then
walking until the elevator? How would I ever do
it?
How positive were this thoughts or images?
not at all positive
very positive
1 2 3 4 5
How negative were this thoughts or images?
not at all negative
very negative
1 2 3 4 5
17
Data (Hip Replacement)
Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery as
Predicted by Expectation and Fantasy
Hip Joint Motion
Walking on Stairs
General Recovery
p lt . 01
p lt .05
p lt .05
.37
.30
.27
Partial Correlation Coefficient
-.36
-.31
-.43
p lt .05
p lt .01
p lt .001
Expectation
Oettingen Mayer (2002, Study 4). Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 83, 1198-1212.
Fantasy
18
Supportive Evidence
Academic achievement
Academic/ vocational
Professional achievement
Obesity
Health
Chronic disease Asthma, Colitis, Cancer
Hip replacement surgery
Interpersonal relations
Finding a romantic partner


Mental contrasting
19
Replicated Findings
Findings are Replicated Across Different
Age groups Domains Cultures Measures of
Fantasy Measures of Motivation Success
Mental contrasting
20
Turning Fantasies into GoalsMentally
Contrasting Fantasies with Reality
21
Mental Contrasting (Model)
Mental Contrasting
Strong Goal Setting
Positive Future
Mental Contrasting
Expectations are Activated
No Goal Setting
Negative Reality
Oettingen (2000). Social Cognition, 18, 101-129.
22
Indulging (Model)
Indulging
Positive Future
Moderate Goal Setting
Expectations are not Activated
Indulging
Oettingen (2000). Social Cognition, 18, 101-129.
23
Dwelling (Model)
Dwelling
Moderate Goal Setting
Expectations are not Activated
Dwelling
Negative Reality
Oettingen (2000). Social Cognition, 18, 101-129.
24
Typical Experiment
Typical Experiment

• Independent Variables
• Measure Expectations
• Manipulate Goal-setting strategies

• Dependent Variables
• Goal commitment and achievement

25
Exemplary Experiment Interpersonal Concern
Exemplary Experiment Interpersonal Concern
26
Concern (Interpersonal Concern)
Interpersonal Concern
improve relationship to partner   get to know
better someone I like   get along with my mother
27
Expectation (Interpersonal Concern)
How likely do you think it is that the named
problem will have a happy ending?
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
28
Aspects of positive future (Interpersonal Concern)
Aspects of Positive Future
not being lonely anymore   feelings of being
loved   feelings of being needed
29
Aspects of negative reality (Anliegen)
Aspects of Negative Reality
feelings of insecurity   feelings of
unattractiveness   being too emotional
30
Inducing the Three Self-Regulation Strategies
of Goal-Setting
31
Establishing Mental Contrasting 1
Mental Contrasting
Write down on the line below the second positive
aspect that you associated with your
interpersonal concern having a happy
ending. feelings of being loved
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Positive Future ?
32
Establishing Mental Contrasting 2
Mental Contrasting
Write down on the line below the second negative
aspect of reality that stands in the way of your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending
. feelings of unattractiveness
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Positive Future ?
Negative Reality ?
33
Establishing Mental Contrasting 3
Mental Contrasting
Write down on the line below the first positive
aspect that you associated with your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending. not
being lonely anymore
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
Negative Reality ?
34
Establishing Mental Contrasting 4
Mental Contrasting
Write down on the line below the first negative
aspect of reality that stands in the way of your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending
. feelings of insecurity
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
35
Establishing Indulging 1
Indulging
Write down on the line below the fourth positive
aspect that you associated with your
interpersonal concern having a happy
ending. being well-balanced
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Positive Future ?
36
Establishing Indulging 2
Indulging
Write down on the line below the third positive
aspect that you associated with your
interpersonal concern having a happy
ending. feelings of being needed
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
37
Establishing Indulging 3
Indulging
Write down on the line below the second positive
aspect that you associated with your
interpersonal concern having a happy
ending. feelings of being loved
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
38
Establishing Indulging 4
Indulging
Write down on the line below the first positive
aspect that you associated with your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending. not
being lonely anymore
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
39
Establishing Dwelling 1
Dwelling
Write down on the line below the fourth negative
aspect of reality that stands in the way of your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending
. being too funky
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Negative Reality ?
40
Establishing Dwelling 2
Dwelling
Write down on the line below the third negative
aspect of reality that stands in the way of your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending
. being too emotional
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
41
Establishing Dwelling 3
Dwelling
Write down on the line below the second negative
aspect of reality that stands in the way of your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending
. feelings of unattractiveness
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
42
Establishing Dwelling 4
Dwelling
Write down on the line below the first negative
aspect of reality that stands in the way of your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending
. feelings of insecurity
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
43
Establishing Mental Contrasting 2
Reverse Contrasting
Write down on the line below the second negative
aspect of reality that stands in the way of your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending
. feelings of unattractiveness
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Negative Reality ?
44
Establishing Mental Contrasting 1
Reverse Contrasting
Write down on the line below the second positive
aspect that you associated with your
interpersonal concern having a happy
ending. feelings of being loved
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Negative Reality ?
Positive Future ?
45
Establishing Mental Contrasting 4
Reverse Contrasting
Write down on the line below the first negative
aspect of reality that stands in the way of your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending
. feelings of insecurity
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
Positive Future ?
46
Establishing Mental Contrasting 3
Reverse Contrasting
Write down on the line below the first positive
aspect that you associated with your
interpersonal concern having a happy ending. not
being lonely anymore
Now really think about this aspect. Imagine the
relevant events and experiences as vividly as
possible! Let your mind go! Do not hesitate to
give your fantasies free reign.
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
47
Feeling energized (Interpersonal Concern)
Interpersonal Concern Feeling Energized
7
6
5
Mental contrasting
Indulging in positive future
4
Dwelling on negative reality
Control group
3
2
1
Oettingen, Pak Schnetter (2001, Study 3).
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80,
736-753.
High Expectation
Low Expectation
48
Immediacy of action (Interpersonal Concern)
Interpersonal Concern Immediacy of Action
0
3
6
Mental contrasting
Indulging in positive future
9
Dwelling on negative reality
Control group
12
15
18
Oettingen, Pak Schnetter (2001, Study 3).
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80,
736-753.
High Expectation
Low Expectation
49
Exemplary Experiment Improving in Mathematics
50
Expectation (Mathematics)
How likely do you think it is that you will
improve in mathematics?
very unlikely
very likely
1 2 3 4 5
51
Aspects of positive Future (Mathematics)
Aspects of Positive Future
passing final exams   feelings of pride   being
qualified for the job
52
Aspects of impeding Reality (Mathematics)
Aspects of Negative Reality
being lazy   being absent-minded   distraction by
other students
53
Feeling Energized (Mathematics)
Mathematics Feeling Energized
5

4
Mental contrasting
3
Indulging in positive future
Dwelling on negative reality
2
1
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Oettingen, Pak, Schnetter (2001, Study 4).
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80,
736-753.
54
Effort (Mathematik)
Mathematics Effort
5

4
Mental contrasting
3
Indulging in positive future
Dwelling on negative reality
2
1
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Oettingen, Pak, Schnetter (2001, Study 4).
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80,
736-753.
55
Achievement (Course Grades) (Mathematics)
Mathematics Achievement (Course Grades)
1

2
3
Mental contrasting
Indulging in positive future
4
Dwelling on negative reality
5
6
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Oettingen, Pak, Schnetter (2001, Study 4).
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80,
736-753.
Effort
56
Supportive Evidence
Vocational training
Academic/ vocational
Combining work and family life
Studying abroad
Learning a foreign language
Impression formation
Mathematics
Professional relations
Health
Cigarette reduction
Interpersonal relations
Problem solving
Social responsibility
Help seeking
Mental contrasting
57
Replicated Findings (Experiments)
Findings are Replicated Across
Cultures Time Spans Settings Paradigms Measures
of Goal Commitment
Mental contrasting
58
Dealing with Negative Feedback Recall of
Information on Relevant Shortcomings
59
Picture Woman (Evaluation of ability)
Please look at this picture for a minute. Then
answer without much thought the following
question.
1. Please estimate the characteristics of this
woman by circling the appropriate number.
warm
cold
fragile
strong
passive
active
impatient
patient
dependent
independent
jealous
faithful
60
Picture Man (Evaluation of ability)
Please look at this picture for a minute. Then
answer without much thought the following
question.
4. What will this person do in the next five
minutes? Please jot down what came to your mind
when you were looking at the picture.
61
Negative Feedback (Cued-recall)
Negative Feedback
in challenging situations you are tense. when
interacting with other people you are reserved.
  in stressful situations you react impulsively.
62
Cued_recall
Cued-recall
1. in interpersonal interactions you are
2. towards others you behave ...
3. in challenging situations you are ... tense
4. when interacting with other people you are ...
reserved
5. in stressful situations you react impulsively
6. others think you are a person.
63
Recall of Negative Feedback (Cued-recall)
Recall of Negative Feedback
3 -
2 -
Mental Contrasting
Indulging in positive future
Dwelling on negative reality
1 -
0 -
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Pak Oettingen (2007).
64
Dealing with Negative Feedback Sustaining a
Sense of Competence
65
Social competence 18 P. (Evaluation of ability)
Regarding your Social Competence your test result
was
18
points (0 lowest to 60 highest)
Your test result as compared to the female
population (age from 20 to 35 years) is at a
very low
level. Persons with comparable results usually
have
conflictual
disharmonious
and
interpersonal relationships.
Your result comprises points achieved on the
items below, measuring your social competence.
Your result 0 very bad 10 very good
persuasive power
communication
cooperation
openness
self confidence
problem solving
3
2
3
4
3
3
66
Social competence (Evaluation of ability)
How would you estimate your social competence?
very low
very high
67
Interpersonal Intelligence (Evaluation of ability)
How would you estimate your interpersonal
intelligence?
Please list a number from 0 to 100
68
Change after negative feedback (Evaluation of
ability)
Subjective Competence Change After Negative
Feedback
1 -



Mental Contrasting
0 -
Indulging in positive future
Dwelling on negative reality

-1 -
High Expectation
Low Expectation
Pak Oettingen (2007).
69
Dealing with Negative Feedback Optimistic
Attributions
70
Optimistic Attributional Style (Explanatory Style
HyeonJu)
Optimistic Attributions after Negative Feedback
What is the major cause of your performance in
the test?
the unusual context
Please rate the cause along the following
dimensions.
The cause is
something about me
something about other people or events
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
permanent
transient
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
something about many or all situations
something about this particular situation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Dickhäuser Stiensmeier-Pelster, 2000,
adjusted from Peterson et al., 1982
71
Optimistic Attributional Style Grafik
(Explanatory Style HyeonJu)
Optimistic Attributions after Negative Feedback
7
6
5
Mental Contrasting
4
Indulging in positive future
3
2
1
High Expectation
Low Expectation
Pak Oettingen (2007).
Energie (Mathematik)
72
Procedural Transfer Performance on RAVEN Test
73
Number of solved Raven (Procedural Transfer)
Procedural Transfer Number of Solved Raven Items
9
8
7
6
Mental Contrasting
5
Indulging in positive future
Dwelling on negative reality
4
3
2
1
High Expectation
Low Expectation
74
Coping with Chronic StressImproving
Communication with Patients Relatives
75
Expectation (Improving Communication with
Patients Relatives )
How confident are you, that you can improve your
relationship with patients relatives?
not at all confident
very confident
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
76
Aspects of Positive Future (Improving
Communication with Patients Relatives )
Aspects of Positive Future
contentment   affection   evenness of temper
77
Aspectes of negative Reality (Improving
Communication with Patients Relatives )
Aspects of Impeding Reality
lack of time   too many patients   impatience
78
Effort (Improving Communication with Patients
Relatives )
Coping with Chronic Stress Effort to Improve
Communication
7
6
5
4
Mental contrasting
Indulging in positive future
3
Dwelling on negative reality
2
1
0
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Schmidt, Brinkmann (2007,
Study 2).
79
Remedial Action (Improving Communication with
Patients Relatives )
Coping with Chronic Stress Remedial Action to
Improve Communication
7
6
5
Mental contrasting
4
Indulging in positive future
Dwelling on negative reality
3
2
1
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Schmidt, Brinkmann (2007,
Study 2).
80
Coping with Acute StressGiving a Talk in Front
of an Evaluative Audience
81
Desired level of Performance (Giving a Talk in
Front of an Evaluative Audience)
How well would you like to do in your talk?
sufficient
excellent
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
82
Expectation (Giving a Talk in Front of an
Evaluative Audience)
How confident is it that you achieve your desired
level of performance as indicated in question 1?
very unlikely
very likely
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
83
Aspects of positive future (Giving a Talk in
Front of an Evaluative Audience)
Aspects of Positive Future
good for my self esteem   overcoming my
shyness good exercise
84
Aspects of negative reality (Giving a Talk in
Front of an Evaluative Audience)
Aspects of Impeding Reality
not being prepared   to be dressed unsuitable
that stupid camera
85
Performance (Giving a Talk in Front of an
Evaluative Audience)
Coping with an Acute Stressor Performance
7
6
5
Mental contrasting
4
Indulging in positive future
3
2
1
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Study 1).
86
Self-evaluation of Achievement (Giving a Talk in
Front of an Evaluative Audience)
Coping with an Acute Stressor Self-Evaluation
7
6
5
Mental contrasting
4
Indulging in positive future
3
2
1
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Study 1).
87
Effort (Giving a Talk in Front of an Evaluative
Audience)
Coping with an Acute Stressor Feeling Energized
7
6
5
Mental contrasting
4
Indulging in positive future
3
2
1
Low Expectation
High Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Study 1).
88
Mediating Processes of Mental Contrasting
Feeling Energized (
89
Energization as a mediator Performance
Energization as a Mediator Performance
Feeling Energized
.50
.34
Sobel-Test z 2.05
.24
Expectation
Performance
.42
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Study 1).
p lt .05, p lt .01 , p lt .01
90
Energization as a mediator Self-Evaluation
Energization as a Mediator Self-Evaluation
Feeling Energized
.50
.38
Sobel-Test z 2.84
.50
Expectation
Self-Evaluation
.69
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Studie 1).
p lt .05, p lt .01 , p lt .01
91
Mediating Processes of Mental Contrasting
Systolic Blood Pressure Change
92
Time Table (Mental Contrasting)
Time Table (Mental Contrasting)
Start of the Experiment
Measure of SBP
1. Aspect
3. Aspect
2. Aspect
4. Aspect
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
Negative Reality ?
Negative Reality ?
93
Time Table (Indulging)
Time Table (Indulging)
Start of the Experiment
Measure of SBP
1. Aspect
3. Aspect
2. Aspect
4. Aspect
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
Positive Future ?
94
BSP Change (Systolic Blood Pressure Change)
BSP Change (in mmHG)
4
2
0
Mental contrasting
-2
Indulging in positive future
-4
-6
-8
High Expectation
Low Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Study 2).
95
BSP Change as a Mediator Goal Commitment
BSP Change as a Mediator Goal Commitment
7
6
5
Mental contrasting
4
Indulging in positive future
3
Mediation by BSP Change Sobel-Test z 1.76 (p
lt .10)
2
1
High Expectation
Low Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Study 2).
96
Mediating Processes of Mental Contrasting
If-Then Plans
97
Number of If-Then Plans
Number of If-Then Plans
7
6
5
4
Mental contrasting
Dwelling on negative reality
3
Control group
2
1
High Expectation
Low Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Study 3).
98
Number of If-Then Plans as a Mediator Goal
Commitment
Number of If-Then Plans as a Mediator Goal
Commitment
7
Mental Contrasting
6
Indulging in positive future
5
Dwelling on negative reality
Control group
4
Mediation by If-Then Plans Sobel-Test z 1.73
(p lt .10)
3
2
1
High Expectation
Low Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer, Sevincer, Pak, Hagenah (2007,
Study 3).
99
Mental Contrasting of Negative Future with
Positive Reality and Prevention GoalsSmoking
Cessation
100
Expectation (Smoking Cessation)
How likely do you think it is that you will
reduce your cigarette consumption or that you
will stop smoking?
not at all likely
very likely
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
101
Aspects of negative future (Smoking Cessation)
Aspects of Negative Future
cancer   bad model for children   lifelong
addiction
102
Aspects of positive reality (Smoking Cessation)
Aspects of Positive Reality
healthy lungs   pretty skin   physical endurance
103
Establishing Mental Contrasting of Negative
Fantasy
Mental Contrasting of Negative Fantasy
Negative Future ?
Negative Future ?
Positive Reality ?
Positive Reality ?
104
Establishing Indulging of Negative Fantasy
Indulging in Negative Fantasy
Negative Future ?
Negative Future ?
Negative Future ?
Negative Future ?
105
Establishing Mental Contrasting of Negative
Fantasy
Dwelling on Positive Reality
Positive Reality ?
Positive Reality ?
Positive Reality ?
Positive Reality ?
106
Immediacy of Action (neg. fantasy vs. pos
reality) (Smoking Cessation)
Smoking Cessation Immediacy of Action
4
6
8
10
Mental contrasting
Indulging in negative future
12
Dwelling on positive reality
14
16
18
High Expectation
Low Expectation
Oettingen, Mayer Thorpe (2007).
107
Translational Research
Translational Research
Interventions
Development Mental States

108
Interventions Success in Everyday Life
109
Intervention Mental Contrasting as
Meta-Cognitive Strategy (Success in Everyday Life)
Interventions Mental Contrasting as
Meta-Cognitive Strategy
7
Time Management
Ease of Deciding
Project Completion
Project Relinquishment
6
5
4
3
2
1
Indulging in positive fantasies Mental contrasting
Oettingen, Mayer, Schmidt, Brinkmann (2007,
Study 3).
110
Interventions Enhancing Health Behaviors
111
Lifestyle Intervention by Self-Regulation of
Action (LISA)
Intervention group Information MCII (Mental
contrasting/Implementation Intentions) Control
group Information
112
Time Table (LISA)
Time Table
Intervention Control group Information MCII-gro
up Information MCII
?2
?3
?4
?1
?5
Diary
1 week
1 month
2 months
4 months
Time after the intervention
113
Intervention Sport (LISA)
My sport concern exercycling in the evening
The very best feeling balanced
Hindrance tiredness, bad mood
Key Overcome/Prevent/Seize Oportunity
If I come home at 7 pm , then I take my i-pod and
situation (when and where)
behavior
exercycle
114
Intervention Nutrition (LISA)
My nutrition concern eat today 2 portions of
fruits and 3 portions of vegetables
The very best well-being
Hindrance no fruits and vegetable at home
Key Overcome/Prevent/Seize Opportunity
If I leave for the office at 8 am , then I pick
up fruits and
situation (when and where)
behavior
vegetables on the way
115
Diary (LISA)
Intervention (turu)
weekday
date
Exercise
Diet
Substitutes
aerobic exercise
other exercise
daily exercise
fruits vegetables
sweets
low fat
high fat
alcohol
smoking
time
6-12 am
number of smoked cigarettes
12-6 pm
number of smoked cigarettes
6-12 pm
116
Sport (LISA)
Enhancing Health BehaviorExercise
Intervention
120
105
90
75
60
Minutes per Week
45
Intervention group Control group
30
15
0
1 week
1 month
2 months
4 months
F(1,214) 9.65, p ? .01
Stadler, Oettingen, Gollwitzer (2005).
117
Healthy Nutrition (LISA)
Enhancing Health BehaviorHealthy Nutrition
Intervention
1.0
0.5
0
Servings per Week (mean z-scores)
Intervention group Control group
-0.5
-1.0
1 week
1 month
2 months
4 months
F(1,224) 5.13, p ? .05
Stadler, Oettingen, Gollwitzer (2005).
118
Mental Contrasting as Intervention Improving
Self-Discipline and Self-Esteem
119
Time Table (Improving Self-Discipline and
Self-Esteem)
Time Table
Intervention Control group Description of a
picture MCII group MCII (mentally and in
writing)
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
1 week later
day 1
day 2
day 3
day 4
day 5
day 6
day 7
120
Intervention (Improving Self-Discipline and
Self-Esteem)
MCII-Intervention
A todays pressing concern clearing up my desk
The very best relief
Hindrance Im not in mood for it
Im not in mood for clearing my desk this evening
If
, then I immediately
Situation
Handlung
start sorting my documents.
121
Dependent Variables (Improving Self-Discipline
and Self-Esteem)
Self-Dicipline
time management (I kept my appointments easily)
project completion (How many projects did you
complete?) feeling on top of things (How often
did you feel in control?)
never
very often
Self-Esteem
I have high self-esteem
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
not very true of me
very true of me
Robins, Hendin, Trzesniewski (2001).
122
Improving Self-Discipline
Improving Self-Discipline
MCII group Control group
43
M 42.0
41
Self-Discipline
39
M 38.2
M 37.2
M 36.4
37
35
Baseline
After one week
Oettingen, Barry, Guttenberg, Gollwitzer
(2007).
123
Improving Self-Esttem
Improving Self-Esteem
MCII group Control group
5
M 4.75
Self-Esteem
M 4.5
M 4.45
4.5
M 4.25
4
Baseline
After one week
Oettingen, Barry, Guttenberg, Gollwitzer
(2007).
124
Mental Contrasting as Intervention Preparation
for an Exam
125
Time Table (Preparation for an Exam)
Time Table
Intervention Control group Writing an
essay MCII group MCII (mentally and in
writing)
Distribution of the workbooks
Collection of the workbooks
?
?
?
?
?
?
May
July
October
126
Number of Test Questions Completed (Preparation
for an Exam)
Preparation for an Exam Number of Test Questions
Completed
225
200
175
Number of test questions
150
125
MCII group
Control group
Duckworth, Grant, Loew, Oettingen, Gollwitzer
(2007).
127
Mental Contrasting as Intervention Chronic Back
Pain Patients
128
Physical Capacity Number of achieved lifts
(Chronic Back Pain Patients)
Physical Capacity of Chronic Back Pain Patients
Intervention
50
45
40
MCII group Control group
35
Number of achieved lifts in 2 minutes
30
25
20
0
3 weeks later
3 months later
Schramm, Oettingen, Dahme Klinger (2007).
129
Physical Capacity Ergo Meter Test (Chronic Back
Pain Patients)
Physical Capacity of Chronic Back Pain Patients
Intervention
150
140
130
MCII group Control group
Ergo meter test (maximal achieved wattage)
120
110
100
3 weeks later
3 months later
Schramm, Oettingen, Dahme Klinger (2007).
130
Strength of the MCII Intervention
Strengths of the MCII Intervention
Meta-cognitive strategies Cost effective in
teaching application Across domains Across
samples
131
Development
132
Elaboration (Interindividual Differences)
Measuring Spontaneous Use of Mental Contrasting
Please write down one of your named aspects.
Think about this aspect and depict the respective
events or experiences in your thoughts as
intensively as possible. Choose the aspect that
first comes into your mind.
133
Frequency of the Spontaneous Use of Mental
Contrasting

• Mental Contrasting (N 55) was chosen more
  frequently than
• Indulging (N 34),
• Reverse Contrasting (N 30),
• Dwelling (N 21),
• ?²(3, N 140) 17.77, p lt .001

134
Anticipated Disappointment (Spontaneous Use of
Mental Contrasting)
Spontaneous use of Mental Contrasting and Goal
Commitment (Anticipated Dissappointment)
0.7
0.6
0.5
Mental contrasting
Reverse contrasting
0.4
Indulging in positive future
Dwelling on negative reality
0.3
0.2
0.1
High Expectation
Low Expectation
Oettingen Mayer (2007, Study 1).
135
Contextual Influences
136
You Take A Tour Through a Coal Mine...
suddenly a deafening sound erupts around you
You find yourself standing in total darkness,
enveloped in dust. You realize you are trapped
137
Two Conditions (Contextual Influences)

• Priming Ideal Course
• Priming Obstacle

138

• Priming Ideal Course
• Your flashlight starts to flicker. You screw the
  cap on tighter and the flashlight stays lit.

Priming Obstacle Your flashlight starts to
flicker. You screw the cap on tighter, but the
flashlight goes out.
139
Contextual Influences of Mental Contrasting
Number of Participants
Contextual Influences of Mental Contrasting
Mental contrasting Indulging in positive future
40
30
N 26
N 25
Number of participants
N 18
20
N 16
10
0
Priming Obstacle
Priming Ideal Course
?²(1, N 85) 3.74, p lt .09
Oettingen Mayer (2007, Study 2).
140
Socialization School Children
141
Design (Sozialisation)
Design
Children
Spontaneous mental contrasting Self-assessment
Mothers
Assessment of the child
142
Dependent Variables (Sozialisation)
Children
A major goal I have in my courses is to perform
really well. In school I am focused on
demonstrating my intellectual ability.
Mothers
A major goal my son/daughter has in his or her
courses is to perform really well. In school my
son/daughter is focused on demonstrating his or
her intellectual ability.
Grant Dweck (2003).
143
Socialization Influences Match in Goal
Orientation
7
6
School Children
Mental Contrasting
5
No Mental Contrasting
Mothers estimation of students achievement
goal orientation
4
3
2
1
1
7
2
3
4
5
6
School childrens achievement goal orientation
Oettingen Mayer (2007, Study 3).
144
Socialization Influences Match in Grades
6
5
School children
Mental Contrasting
4
No Mental Contrasting
Mothers estimation of students last years
grades
3
2
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
School childrens estimation of their ownlast
years grades
Oettingen Mayer (2007, Study 3).
145
Socialization and Mental Contrasting Students
146
Socialization Influences of Mental Contrasting
(Students)
Socialization Influences of Mental Contrasting
Students
Mental Contrasting
.35
.32
.39
.45
Responsive Parenting
Achievement (GPA)
p lt .05, p lt .01
Grant, Oettingen, Gollwitzer (2005, Study 3).
147
Mental States and Mental Contrasting Alcohol
148
Alcohol and Mental Contrasting
Alcohol and Mental Contrasting
25
20
15
Time (sec)
10
5
0
Alcohol
t (58) 2.48, p lt .05
Placebo
Sevincer Oettingen (2005).
149
Conclusion
Conclusion
Positive fantasies
Mental contrasting
Interventions
150
One needs serenity to accept the things one
cannot change, courage to change the things one
can change, and wisdom to know the difference.
151
Thank you to
Christina Bardong Heather Barry Babette
Brinkmann Angela Duckworth Heidi Grant Katie
Guttenberg Meike Hagenah Hanna Janetzke Aylin
Lenbet Solvig Lorenz
Annette Losert Doris Mayer Hyeon-ju Pak Karoline
Schnetter Christiane Schreiber Timur
Sevincer Gertraud Stadler
152
The research was supported by
Karl Heinz Ditze- Stiftung
153
Titel
From Fantasy to Action
Gabriele Oettingen New York University/University
of Hamburg