Positive formulation

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As a positive formulation is referred to the description of desires or goals as approaching target without a negation ( negation ) to use. In contrast, a negative formulation is directed towards an avoidance goal . A negative is often used.

Justifications

There are several reasons for using positive formulations:

  • The negative is inconceivable.
  • Knowing the avoidance goal does not necessarily mean what the approach goal is.
  • Negative formulations often lead to defensive reactions on the part of the recipient and thus not to wish fulfillment.

These reasons are described in more detail below.

Sigmund Freud had already determined (1915e, p. 286) that there is no negation in communication with adult people in trance or in dreams (see primary process ). Grinder and Bandler later studied hypnotic speech patterns from Erik H. Erikson . You write: “No single communication pattern known to me causes as many disturbances in understanding as negation. It only exists in language, not in experience. ”Basically, every conversation is more or less a hypnosis, depending on how well the interlocutor succeeds in building up a common inner image in order to understand each other. In this sense, targets with negations are generally problematic. To illustrate this, one often asks: “Do not imagine a blue elephant.” Whereupon it is usually reported that this is impossible, because with this formulation an elephant appears first in the mind's eye and it is not possible to see the To introduce negation. It is scientifically proven that a positive formulation for our brain is more economical than the use of a "not" and that approach goals and the experience of competence and control appeal more (Gollwitzer 1999, Strack and Deutsch 2004).

From a formulation like: “We do not want that ...”, it is also not necessarily clear which goal is actually to be achieved. Marshall Rosenberg explains this using the example of a woman who asked her husband “not to spend so much time at work”. The man then “registered for a golf tournament”, although the woman actually wanted to “spend at least one evening a week with him and the children”. The example shows that the formulation of the avoidance goal does not necessarily make it clear what the approximation goal is (see also contradiction ).

That is why Marshall Rosenberg recommends using his concept of nonviolent communication to formulate your own requests in positive language of action, i.e. positively. If needs are expressed in negative terms, they would often be taken as criticism. “And when people hear something that even remotely sounds like criticism, then they tend to put their energy into defense or a counterattack.” Rosenberg cites as an example: “You never understand me”. However, according to Rosenberg's experience, a positive formulation of the needs increases the likelihood of the needs being met. Consequently, many authors advise rephrasing criticism and accusations into wishes.

application areas

psychotherapy

Patients often come into therapy with a negative formulation, i.e. avoidance goals. For example: “I want to get rid of my fears.” According to the consistency theory of Grawe (2004), many patients find themselves in a prevention-oriented motivational situation at the beginning of therapy because “in the past they have often not been able to achieve approximate goals”. This goes hand in hand with "negative self-esteem and low well-being" and thus promotes "the development of mental disorders". Patients with avoidance goals are also more likely to discontinue therapy once they have experienced initial relief, although it would make sense to work on further approach goals. An essential part of the therapy consists in formulating the therapy goals positively right from the start. Instead of adopting the positive formulation for the patient, Manfred Prior recommends, when asked about the "... but ...", to offer the patient a formulation aid to reformulate his avoidance goals into approximate goals.

The FAMOS questionnaire was specially developed to record changes in avoidance and approach goals. Grosse-Holtforth and Grawe were able to show that older psychotherapy patients differ in their approach and avoidance goals from younger ones.

Actively dealing with pain or fear as an approach goal reduces the basic level of activation and is cheaper than avoiding pain or fear as an avoidance goal. Acceptance and commitment therapy is based on developing positive life goals instead of reducing symptoms as a goal. This corresponds to the motivational psychological approach of reducing avoidance goals in favor of approach goals, as well as the learning theory approach of reducing avoidance behavior in favor of approach behavior (see confrontation therapy , two-factor theory by Mowrer ).

Research in the field of motivation

The distinction between approach goals and avoidance goals also play a role in the 2 × 2 performance goal approach of Elliot and McGregor (2001). Here, goals are classified according to the two dimensions “valence of the goal” and “reference standard”. On the dimension “valence of the goal”, a distinction is made between approach goals and avoidance goals.

Mediation and couple counseling

In the field of mediation and couple counseling, the reformulation of criticism into wishes is used as a method of communication. For this purpose, specific communication exercises are offered. When it is pointed out that allegations can be rephrased as requests for change, publications by Schwäbisch & Siems are often referred to. This request is one of the four components that should include adequate feedback:

  • Statement about the behavior
  • accompanying feelings
  • Reasons for the feelings
  • Request for change

These four components are similar to the four components of nonviolent communication according to Rosenberg. Rosenberg sees nonviolent communication as a technique for mediation, which he has already used in political crisis areas.

Business administration

The memory aid SMART-PURE-CLEAR serves as criteria for a good formulation of goals .

Demarcation

Positive formulations initially have nothing to do with positive self-verbalizations. In connection with self-verbalizations, the adjective "positive" indicates that the thoughts are helpful, i.e. functional, while self-verbalizations are obstructive, i.e. dysfunctional. For example, the thought: “This will certainly be difficult” could be a hindrance, while the thought: “Practice makes perfect” would be more motivating. The last thought, however, does not describe an approach goal. Positive formulations must therefore not be seen in direct connection with positive psychology .

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Al Weckert & Monika Oboth: Mediation for Dummies . 2nd Edition. Wiley-VCH, Offenbach 2014, ISBN 978-3-527-71064-5 , pp. 156 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  2. ↑ Thomas Trilling: Using pressure and stress in sales positively. This is how you increase professional performance and quality of life . Springer Gabler, Wiesbaden 2012, ISBN 978-3-8349-3107-8 , pp. 143 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  3. ↑ André Moritz & Felix Rimbach: Soft Skills for Young Professionals: Everything you need for your career . Gabal, Offenbach 2006, ISBN 978-3-89749-630-9 , pp. 25 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  4. ↑ a b Diana Drexler: The integrated stress management program ISP. Manual and materials for therapy and counseling . 3. Edition. Klett-Cotta, Stuttgart 2006, ISBN 978-3-608-89124-9 , pp. 196 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  5. ↑ Martina Feurer: Psychoanalytic theories of thinking: S. Freud - DW Winnicott - P. Aulagnier - WR Bion - A. Green . Königshausen & Neumann, Wünzburg 2011, ISBN 978-3-8260-4367-3 , p. 23 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  6. ↑ Isabelle Meier: Primary process, emotions and relationship patterns in daydreams . 3. Edition. Peter Lang, Bern 2005, ISBN 3-03910-600-7 , p. 29 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  7. ^ Anne-Karien show: Theory of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. The structure of a communication concept in change work . diplom.de, 2004, p. 56 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  8. ^ John Grinder & Richard Bandler: Therapy in Trance. Hypnosis. Communication with the unconscious . 3. Edition. Klett-Cotta, Stuttgart 1981, ISBN 3-608-95140-7 , p. 95 .
  9. ^ Heike Hoos-Leistner & Michael Balk: Conversation for physiotherapists. Theory - Techniques - Case Studies . 7th edition. Georg Thieme, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-13-147691-3 , p. 116 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  10. ^ A b Marshall B. Rosenberg: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life . 8th edition. Junfermann, Paderborn 2009, ISBN 978-3-87387-454-1 , p. 89 .
  11. ↑ Marshall B. Rosenberg: Speaking the Language of Peace - in a World of Conflict. What you say next will change your world . 3. Edition. Junfermann, Paderborn 2006, ISBN 978-3-87387-640-8 , pp. 33 f . ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  12. ↑ a b c d Marshall B. Rosenberg: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life . 8th edition. Junfermann, Paderborn 2009, ISBN 978-3-87387-454-1 , p. 73 f .
  13. ↑ a b c Jürgen Wiegand: Handbook planning success. Methods, collaboration and management as an integral process . vdf Hochschulverlag AG, Zurich 2004, ISBN 3-7281-2968-2 , p. 524 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  14. ↑ a b c Norbert Bertelsbeck : Together instead of against each other - problem solving based on partnership . epubli GmbH, Berlin 2014, ISBN 978-3-8442-9547-4 , p.  459 f . ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  15. ↑ a b c Dietmar Schulte: Therapy motivation. Analyze resistance Clarify therapy goals Promote motivation . Hogrefe Verlag, Göttingen 2015, ISBN 978-3-8409-2641-9 , pp. 58 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  16. ^ Manfred Prior: MiniMax interventions. 15 minimal interventions with maximal impact . 8th edition. Carl-Auer, Heidelberg 2009, ISBN 978-3-89670-401-6 , pp. 24-26 .
  17. ^ Klaus Grawe: Neuropsychotherapy . Hogrefe, Göttingen 2004, ISBN 3-8017-1804-2 , p. 280 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  18. ↑ Andreas Maercker: Fundamentals and theoretical models . In: Andreas Maercker (Ed.): Age psychotherapy and clinical gerontopsychology . 2nd Edition. Springer, Berlin 2015, ISBN 978-3-642-54723-2 , pp. 34 , doi : 10.1007 / 978-3-642-54723-2 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  19. ↑ Eckhard Roediger: Practice of schema therapy: Basics, application, perspectives . 2nd Edition. Schattauer, Stuttgart 2009, ISBN 978-3-7945-2621-5 , pp. 37 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  20. ^ Georg H. Eifert: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) . Hogrefe, Göttingen 2011, ISBN 978-3-8409-2215-2 , pp. 27 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  21. ^ AJ Elliot & HA McGregor: A 2 × 2 achievement goal framework . In: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology . tape 89 , 2001, p. 501-519 .
  22. ↑ a b Veronika Brandstätter, Julia Schüler, Rosa Maria Puca & Ljubica Lozo: Motivation and Emotion. General Psychology for Bachelor's . Springer, Berlin 2013, ISBN 978-3-642-30149-0 , pp. 84 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  23. ↑ Christiane Spiel, Barbara Schober & Petra Wagner: Educational Psychology . Ed .: Ralph Reimann. Hogrefe, Göttingen 2010, ISBN 978-3-8017-2081-0 , pp. 84 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  24. ↑ a b Ingeborg Volger & Martin Merbach: Improving the relationship: Advice for couples who suffer from their communication . Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen 2010, ISBN 978-3-525-67003-3 , p. 84 ( limited preview in Google Book search).
  25. ↑ Werner Metzig & Martin Schuster: Learn to learn: Effective use of learning strategies . 7th edition. Springer, Berlin 2010, ISBN 978-3-540-26030-1 , pp. 178 ( limited preview in Google Book search).