Positive affectivity is a moderately stable trait over time and situation involving frequent feelings of pleasant mood, enthusiasm, and high energy. Positive affectivity is strongly linked to genetics, and unfortunately, only seen in a minority of the population. Contrary to positive affectivity, positive emotions include pleasant or desirable situational responses, ranging from interest and contentment […]
Meaning in a doctor’s life
I felt accomplished as Chair of Psychiatry for a large 4-hospital health network (and the first female to hold a Chairman position), the head of a happy family (myself and my 2 young autistic children), and a health nut in top physical condition. The fact that over the past several years I had been suffering […]
The value of resiliency training for residents
Once I gave a one-hour lecture to the resident physicians at a local University Health Network in positive psychology and resilience. Residency is a high-risk time in a physician’s career for depression, stress, and burnout. I chose to focus my talk on resilience. Doctors tend to deny their problems and are very adept with intellectualization. […]
Most doctors have low self-esteem
Most individuals who choose to become physicians in the US come from dysfunctional families. They tend to have low self-esteem. However, they often function in the role of “rescuer” or “the successful child” and that is how they get any recognition at all. Because of their background they feel it is their duty to continue […]