Wishful thinking is the formation of beliefs and
making decisions according to what might be pleasing to imagine instead of by
appealing toevidence, rationality,
or reality.
It is a product of resolving conflicts between belief and desire.[1] Studies
have consistently shown that holding all else equal, subjects will predict
positive outcomes to be more likely than negative outcomes (see valence
effect). However, new research suggests that under certain circumstances,
such as when threat increases, a reverse phenomenon occurs.[2]
Some psychologists believe that positive thinking is able to
positively influence behavior and so bring about better results. This is called
"Pygmalion effect".[citation needed]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wishful_thinking