Positive reframing: a psychological resource to face difficulties through another prism

Sometimes, Being able to see things from another point of view improves our ability to handle difficulties. Positive reframing is an example of this and how, by reframing certain aspects or dimensions, the confusion, discomfort and tensions we have with people around us are reduced. This is a very useful resource that we can all use.

However, there is something we must admit: applying this type of mental craftsmanship costs us a lot. People tend to be stubborn in our interpretations., stubborn in those assessments that we make about certain situations, circumstances and relationships. We do not hesitate to label that colleague who is always in a bad mood as toxic or someone who is obsessed with order as controlling.

Perhaps, that toxic person is having a bad time and is having a hard time in silence. Maybe someone who is obsessed with order has one of those brilliant minds from which it would be worth learning something. Let’s admit it, Our reality has many faces and it is not good to stay with only the most negative one.

Positive reframing, what does it consist of?

Positive framing is a technique widely used in therapy. With her, The aim is for the person to be able to see things differently and to change the meanings attributed to them.. The essential idea is to make you understand that the point of view you apply towards certain realities that cause suffering acts as a filter capable of blurring everything, altering emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

Let’s take an example. I am a person with a striking nose or someone who is extremely thin or short. Beyond working on my self-esteem or self-acceptance, I must also be able to use a positive frame for each situation. Instead of thinking that everyone is going to stare at me if I go to a party, I must relativize that idea and focus on other dimensions.: in having a good time, in assuming that we all have our peculiarities and that is what makes us unique.

Should I avoid going to social events because of this? Obviously not. Because those mental schemes that we apply towards certain areas of our lives not only limit us, they act as vetoers of happiness. And if there is something we must consider, it is that a large part of us make use of these mental processes. Thinking that there is only one perspective and one exclusive way of seeing things is something very human.

Moving from the “problem-frame” to the “objective-frame”

Positive framing follows a very specific process in which to move from negativity towards a more open, constructive and hopeful attitude. To understand it better, we will put ourselves in the shoes of another person, someone who has just received a very specific diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.

This particular person tells themselves that their life is over, that they will never work again, and that their future is over.

The problem framework is the following: assume that this chronic disease is degenerative and that everything is lost, that there is no other option but to accept the end. Well, within the therapeutic process it is essential to make use of the positive frame and to do so We will apply the objective framework that consists of making the person see other options. It is moving from the specific problem to an objective that acts as hope, as a way out to break that negative scheme. In this case, you will focus on understanding the disease, understanding it and know that there are options to stop it and be able to maintain an adequate quality of life.

The positive framing does not fall into excessive optimism, it is about reframing experiences to provide solutions

Positive framing is part of positive psychology initiated by Martin Seligman in the 90s. It is important to understand that this technique does not aim to ensure that someone is always able to see the bright side of life. It is enabling so that, within the context and reality of each patient, You can consider what options there are to manage the situation and improve your life.

Something like this implies understanding that, sometimes, we cannot change what happens to us. If I have lost my job, it is lost. If I have been diagnosed with a disease, the evidence is that and no other. However, Positive framing allows me to see what approaches I can consider to cope with and confront those events.

It is to weaken the negative and defeatist bias that has trapped me. to feed my gaze on other possibilities, other perspectives with which to improve my motivation and the possibility of better managing those already complex circumstances. Thanks to this resource, I find emotional calm, mental clarity and I can redefine the meanings I give to certain things.

To conclude, this technique to restructure cognitions (thoughts) It is a tool of life that we should make ours. It is a way to move forward a little better through those complicated days that we may have ahead of us. Likewise, if it is not possible for us to achieve it ourselves, it is always appropriate to consult with a specialized professional. Let’s keep it in mind.

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