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Summary
Summary
Why might some sex education programs result in more teen pregnancies? Why did reading that self-help book make you feel less happy? Whats the best way to recover from trauma? Can we actually improve our lives by redirecting our thinking?We tell ourselves stories to make sense of the world. These stories ultimately determine if we will lead healthy, productive lives or get into trouble. Renowned psychologist Timothy Wilson proposes a radical new view: although these stories can be very hard to change, they can changesurprisingly quicklyif tweaked in the right way. He considers a broad range of problems, exposes failed attempts to solve them, and reframes them with new stories. Scientifically tested, his practical advice and simple techniques have been found to bring about real results including enhanced happiness, personal meaning, and social progress.
Reviews (4)
Guardian Review
New drugs are not brought to market without intensive testing, so why don't we demand the same of personal therapies and social interventions? Ranging from Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for those who have witnessed trauma, to schemes to stop undergrads drinking so much (good luck with that), this psychologist's classy book explains how, when tested experimentally, many such "commonsense" projects either don't work or do more harm than good. There is a satisfying intellectual schadenfreude to the toll of Wilson's revelations, in which he understandably seems to take some pleasure himself: "scared-straight programs", which take troublesome teens to prisons or morgues, "actually increase criminal activity". Wilson is a thoughtful writer, with many science-endorsed tips on parenting and becoming happier (not necessarily simultaneously). His own method of helping people - which he calls "story editing", nothing to do with screenwriting but a way of nudging people to reassess their self-image - is admirably Aristotelian; and I also liked the anecdote about the surprisingly persuasive contextual power of smiley faces. :) - Steven Poole New drugs are not brought to market without intensive testing, so why don't we demand the same of personal therapies and social interventions? - Steven Poole.
Kirkus Review
Change is hard. Or is it? A keen observer of the human condition explains how tweaking our personal narratives can have a huge effect on our lives."I'm such an idiot!"Who hasn't admonished themselves in similar fashion at some point in their lives? The problem, according to Wilson (Social Psychology, 2009, etc.), is that such seemingly innocuous interior narratives can have a profound effect on the way we view ourselves in society. Like the college freshman who muffs her first math test and immediately concludes she's just not cut out for higher education; the little leaguer who strikes out his first time at bat and thereafter confines himself to the dugout. The way we internalize our experiences matters. The good news, writes the author, is that the same toxic narratives that produce drop-outs and bench warmers can just as easily be replaced with positive narratives that promote valedictorians and all-stars. Individually, that means happier, more fulfilling lives. Nationally, it could mean reduced crime, fewer unwanted pregnancies and the end of racism. Wilson looks at how well-meaning people have tried to combat societal ills in the past and concludes that they have been ineffective because they have failed to recognize the importance of core narratives. The same goes for a host of other sociological interventions that on the surface appear sound, but ultimately fail to stand up to scientific scrutiny. That's the second part of Wilson's premise. He's keenly interested in understanding why a certain approach succeeds of feels, and the result is an important examination of the ways we try to ameliorate societal ills.Rendered in bite-sized portions with ample servings of statistics and case studies, readers should have no trouble digesting any of itno matter how faulty their own personal narrative about "science books" may be.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Choice Review
A major premise this book is that social programs that appear at face value to be beneficial may in fact promote no positive social change, or may in fact be harmful. Wilson (social psychology, Univ. of Virginia)--who thinks about human behavior in a rigorous, scientific manner--is clear in describing the value of proper scientific research procedures for determining if programs genuinely help those receiving services. He identifies widely implemented programs found, after careful study, to be ineffective: these include "critical incident stress debriefing," "scared straight" programs for at-risk adolescents, and D.A.R.E, a drug- and alcohol-use prevention program. In contrast, a set of techniques he terms "story editing" has been shown to produce measurable, long-lasting positive change. Story editing allows individuals to "redirect" their personal stories/narratives, including rethinking stories about their intelligence, interests, and values. Wilson provides clear examples of the effective use of story editing and specific exercises for immediate use. His examples of positive change span a variety of ages and social problems, including teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, and racism. This book provides good information that may help the less-experienced reader; sophisticated students are going to be familiar with the book's content. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduates and general readers. C. J. Jones California State University, Fresno
Library Journal Review
Wilson (psychology, Univ. of Virginia; Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious) presents a fascinating argument for how humans make sense of the world. Basing his book on the classic work of Kurt Lewin, Wilson explains that to understand the choices people make, one must understand how they see the world. He believes people can change the way they and others view the world through interventions like story editing, story prompting, and his "do good, be good" approach. Although more relevant for academia, the material is nicely interpreted for lay readers and covers the impact of the author's techniques on improving personal self-esteem, preventing teen pregnancies, reducing teen violence and alcohol and drug abuse, combating prejudice, and achieving personal goals. A plausible and well-documented alternative to David Kinchin's and Victor Volkman's theories of trauma. VERDICT While Wilson's work is well researched and heavily cited, his novel ideas for treating trauma will likely raise eyebrows. Essential for mental-health professionals, especially those working with first responders and members of the military, and highly recommended for all university libraries supporting the helping professions.-Dale Farris, Groves, TX (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
