This concept was born in the middle of the XXth century, in particular with the publication in 1952 of the book “Power of positive thought” by Vincent Norman Peale, American pastor and author. Although it sold several million copies, it remains at this time a great subject of controversy: the book is criticized for being too aimed at believers in Christianity.

Positive thinking is closely related with the notion of optimism, a person who perceives the world in a positive way and sees the “good side of things” will feel in better mental and physical health than a person who thinks negatively, anxious, even depressed. Positive thinking is not a new concept, the Coué method, developed by the French pharmacist and psychologist Emile Coué, was presented for the very first time in 1926 in the book “Self-control through conscious autosuggestion”. It is a therapeutic method based on autosuggestion and which aims to make the patient adhere to positive ideas. By repeating positive messages like “I’m happy” or “I’m getting better and better” twenty times a day, the individual is supposed to achieve well-being and achieve optimal health.

In the mid-60s, Norman Cousins, an American professor and journalist, was struck by a so-called incurable and extremely painful arthritic disease. His state of health deteriorating very quickly, he decides to use the Positive thought and the laughter therapy to promote healing. The therapeutic method consisted of watching comedy films regularly and consuming large amounts of vitamin C. Six months later, Norman Cousins ​​was completely healed.

Source : Source : University of Pennsylvania – Positive Psychology Center http://www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/faqs.htm