Motivation and emotion/Book/2023/Tragic optimism

Tragic optimism:
What is tragic optimism, why does it matter, and how can it be fostered?

Multimedia presentation (3 min)

Overview

Case study: John's battle with cancer John is a passionate musician who was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in his early 20s. Despite the devastating news, he chose to find meaning in his music and write about his journey with cancer. John also decided to form a cancer group to help others have a positive outlook on their illness. Through his music and group, John became a source of inspiration and hope to others.

Figure 1. A natural disaster, such as a tsunami destroying your home, can cause trauma resulting in the need for tragic optimism

In a world full of grief and death, how is it possible that people can remain optimistic? How can people stay hopeful when people are losing their jobs, their loved ones or even their homes? When horrific events occur, whether that be a pandemic, a natural disaster, or even sudden death, people can feel lost and, as a result, search for meaning in life. Nevertheless, how do we manage to still push through? Why is it that we still say YES to life?

Tragic optimism is the philosophical idea that one remains hopeful even when a tragic event occurs (Frankl, 1985). Tragic optimism occurs when a tragic event takes place such as wars, pandemics, social disorders or death (see Figure 1). Acknowledging tragic optimism not only allows the individual to get through a traumatic event, but also allows them to grow and develop as individual (Leung et al., 2021).

Focus questions: What is tragic optimism? Why does tragic optimism matter? How can tragic optimism be fostered?

What is tragic optimism?

Optimism is the attitude of having hopefulness and confidence regarding the future (Carver et al., 2010). However, when people go through traumatic events, solely being an optimist can lead to toxic positivity. Knowing the difference between these two concepts is essential in assisting individuals cope during traumatic events.

Definition of tragic optimism

Frankl's (1985) concept of tragic optimism claims that despite a tragic event, an individual can still maintain a positive outlook on life (Frankl, 1985). Tragic optimism not only allows an individual to cope with traumatic events, but can also lead them to find meaning in their life (Frankl, 1985). Being a tragic optimist also allows an individual to turn human suffering into an accomplishment where it can instead be seen as an opportunity to change oneself for the better and take responsibility for one's actions (Leung, 2019). Instead of ignoring the the trauma faced, this theory focuses on how individuals can grow and learn from tragedy instead.

Definition of toxic positivity

Toxic positivity is the concept of constantly having a positive attitude despite how complex or upsetting a situation is. Whilst this may seem appealing to some, it ignores negative feelings, arguing that there is no room for them (Michailidou, 2023). Psychologists have used the term to describe negative mental health effects when one is pressured to maintain a positive attitude despite a negative situation (Michailidou, 2023). In the modern day, toxic positivity has become more prevalent through the rise of social media influencers (Michailidou, 2023).

Quiz Samantha recently lost her mother in a car accident. Which of the following would be Samantha's mindset if she was using tragic optimism?: "I need to focus on the positive memories and be grateful for the time I had with her" "Everything happens for a reason, it will all be fine and will work out" "What has just happened is horrible, but I will be able to get through it and it will get better"

Tragic optimism vs toxic positivity

Although tragic optimism and toxic positivity seem similar, they have differing distinguishing elements. Tragic optimism is the concept of maintaining a happy and hopeful life despite tragedy and adversity. Alternatively, toxic positivity differs from tragic optimism in that it refers to an individual blatantly ignoring an event. Both of these concepts have a focus on hope and positivity during difficult times; however, where toxic positivity tends to ignore or deny issues, tragic optimism allows for an individual to further explore the reality of what has occurred. Where tragic optimism can lead to growth, toxic positive can be a harmful and inappropriate way to respond to events.

Table 1. shows how the response of someone can vary depending on which concept is being used.

Table 1. Jules struggling at work

Concept	Case study: Jules struggling at work	Response & reasoning
Tragic optimism	Jules is a very passionate individual who tends to say 'yes' to everything, whether it be her career or personal life, even if she may be swamped. Jules has recently been struggling to meet her deadlines for her projects at work and is starting to get very stressed whilst also trying to maintaining an active social life.	Jules decides to reach out to her friend Max about how she is feeling. Max replies, "I understand that balancing your social life and work life can be hard especially when trying to meet deadlines. However, I promise that you are not alone in this and that it is normal to sometimes feel overwhelmed. How about we work together to find a solution such as adjusting your deadlines to make this time more manageable?" In this example, Max's response reflects tragic optimism due to his acknowledgment of Jules' feelings and her challenges. Max also offers practical solutions whilst also expressing her potential for growth.
Toxic positivity		When Jules reaches out to her friend Sam about how she is feeling, Sam replies, "Just think positively, and everything will eventually work out! Thinking negatively won't get you anywhere." In this example, even though Sam thinks he is helpful, he displays toxic positivity. Instead of acknowledging Jules' concerns about what she is going through, offering support or any practical solution, Sam dismisses Jules' feelings and suggests that she thinks positively. As a result, Jules feels unheard and very discouraged, leading her to not reach out for help the next time she needs it.

Historical development

When attempting to understand tragic optimism, it is important to look into the histpoorical developemtn of the topic. This alows individuals to see how a concept has de veloped over time and to have a contextual understanding.

Existential philosophy

Emerging in the 19th and 20th centuries, existential philosophy is a philosophical movement that enables individuals to seek to find ways for people to live authentically as humans in a world where this practice is often seen as meaningless and absurd. The movement focuses on concepts such as freedom, choice, and meaning. It argues that life has no inherent purpose and that individuals must make their own. These concepts often lead to themes of absurdity, anxiety and the search for authenticity (Cagri, T. M., 2012).

Figure 2. A famous image of Viktor Frankl

Personal experience

The concept of tragic optimism was coined by famous Austrian psychologist and holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl (see Figure 2). Frankl coined this term due to his horrible experiences as a holocaust survivor, which further developed his understanding of human reliance and the search for meaning and suffering.

Viktor Frankl spent three years in four Nazi concentration camps including, Theresienstadt, Kaufeering III, Türkheim and Aushwitz. During his time in these camps, Frankl witnessed horrible experiences such as the death of his wife and parents, physical abuse, malnutrition, emotional humiliation and torture. Not only did Frankl endure the torture himself, he also had to watch his fellow prisoner. These experiences led Frankl to came up with Logotherapy (Bushkin et al., 2021).

Logotherapy

Logotherapy is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Viktor Frankl. Logotherapy focuses on the meaning of human existence and man's search for meaning (Frankl, 1985). Logotherapy was never intended to be conventional psychotherapy, instead to provide a theoretical and practical compliment to psychotherapy to embrace the human spiritual dimension (Längle & Sykes, 2006). However, throughout the years, Logotherapy has developed into existential psychotherapy to help individuals find meaning in their lives, even when faced with suffering and adversity. Through Frankl's development of Logotherapy, he came up with the concept of tragic optimism, which is an integral part of his overall psychotherapeutic approach. He shared his discoveries with the world through the book "Man's search for Meaning".

"Man's search for Meaning", first published in 1946, shared Frankl's real-life experiences, the concept of Logotherapy, and, as a fundamental aspect of such concept, tragic optimism (Frankl, 1946/1985). In "Mans search for Meaning", Frankl (1985) explains that in Logotherapy, there are three different ways that one can discover the meaning of life:

1. Creating work or achieving a deed
2. Experiencing something or encountering someone
3. Adopting an attitude towards unavoidable suffering

Frankl (1985) then explains that the concept of tragic optimism is to be able to remain optimist in-spite of the 'tragic triad', fitting into three categories:

1. Pain: Turning suffering into a human achievement and accomplishment
2. Guilt: Deriving from guilt the opportunity to change oneself for the better
3. Death: Deriving from life's transitoriness an incentive to take responsible action

Why does it matter?

It is essential to see why tragic optimism matters as it can be a concept that can help individuals during difficult times they will experience in their lives.

Trauma

There are many different forms that trauma can come in, whether that be physical or even psychological. However, overall, trauma is considered an event that has caused an emotional or threatening disturbance that effects one's wellbeing (Leung, 2019). The impact of any traumatic event on anyone can be severe. These events can affect people by making them feel that their lives are unpredictable and that they do not have control. It can lead them to not trust others and not trust themselves (Lee, D., & James, S., 2012). How individuals deal with trauma is different for everyone and can rely heavily on their previous experiences in life. It can also depend on the support system that they have around them, such as friends and family. It also depends on what stage of their life they are in (Lee, D., & James, S., 2012). Other ways people can deal with trauma is to seek professional help such as talking to therapists and counsellors who are experts in helping individuals who have experienced trauma. However, it is essential to note that trauma can come differently to everyone, and not all trauma affects people in the same way. However, no matter what the trauma is or its severity, it is crucial to ensure that individuals are equipped with the skills needs to assist them through this time. This is where tragic optimism can occur (Lee, D., & James, S., 2012).

For some examples regarding trauma, please refer to Table 2.

Table 2. Examples of physical and psychological trauma with examples

Physical	Psycological
Sports injury (e.g. a torn ligament or broken bone)	Childhood abuse (e.g. suffering emotional, or physical abuse as a child resulting in long-lasting emotional traume)
Assault (e.g. bruises, cuts or fractures)	Combat trauma (e.g. soldiers experience severe psychological distress in combat leading to flashbacks, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD)
Fall (e.g. head injuries due to a high fall)	Loss of a loved one (e.g. the emotional trauma following the death of a loved one)

Note: Examples derived from Flannery, R. B., 2015 & Gerber, M. R., & Gerber, E. B., 2019

Case studies

Viewing these case studies below shows how tragic optimism can be used during a traumatic time.

Nazi concentration camps

During 1933 and 1945, Nazi Germany had thousands of concentration camps in operation. In these camps, many Jewish individuals were imprisoned without a trial. During that time, Jewish individuals would receive daily torture. Examples of such torture are daily floggings and humiliation, significant limitations to their available facilities, and forced labour such as farm work. The Nazis would also subject the prisoners to a room filled with poisonous gas to kill them (gas chambers). Frankl discovered Logotherapy and tragic optimism with his unique perspective of being in a concentration camp (Frankl, 1985). Frankl explained that seeing others in pain and suffering everyday, but seeing them still push through and say yes to life enables him to develop his concepts (Frankl, 1985). In "Man's Search for Meaning", Frankl explained that in the camps, people kept their spirits high through creative outlets such as; children and artists would paint, actors would perform for their fellow prisoners, scholars gave lectures, and musicians would play for everyone. Frankl discovered meaning and purpose through watching and participating in the creative outlets of the other prisoners, even in a place created for suffering (Wachsmann, N., 2015) (Bushkin et al., 2021).

Figure 3. An exhausted worker who has worked a 12 hour shift, with no break, due to the coronavirus.

Coronavirus

On the 11th of March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus a worldwide pandemic (Xiong et al., 2020) (See Figure 3). The coronavirus has resulted in unprecedented hazards to people's mental health worldwide (Xiong et al., 2020). Whilst some individuals live at home in isolation, some are less fortunate with access to little to no resources available (Ranjan, P. S., 2020). It has resulted in high rates of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (Bushkin et al., 2021). The virus not only continuously affected individuals mental health but it also has affected physical factors, such as home and job loss (Xiong et al., 2020). In a study conducted by Leung et al. (2021), they found tragic optimism to be a buffer against the coronavirus when using LAS-B as a measure of life suffering (Leung et al., 2021). In another study conducted by Mead, J. P., et al., 2021, they argued the need for tragic optimism during the pandemic due to its ability to prevent suffering and the impacts of hardship (Mead, J. P., et al., 2021).

How can it be fostered?

Practicing techniques such as self-reflection, identifying values, acceptance and resilience and more, individuals can develop a better understanding of tragic optimism, such as meaning therapy.

Meaning therapy

Meaning therapy allows an individual to focus on the fundamental human need for relationships and meaning (Wong, 2015). Meaning therapy, developed by Paul T.P. Wong, whilst still incorporating other therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychotherapy, still maintains the basic tenets of logotherapy (see Figure 4) (Wong, 2015). It should be noted that fostering tragic optimism is and ongoing process that takes time. Frankl mentioned that in order for someone to use tragic optimism, that they must go through the process of enduring suffering, resulting in ones fundamental meaning in life. Frankl says that tragic optimism cannot be pursued in the comfort and safety (Frankl, 1985). However, this does not mean that one needs to endure suffering themselves in order for them to experience tragic optimism. In a study conducted by Mason, H. D., & Nel, J. A. (2012), they discovered that individuals who volunteered at a community-driven crisis centre, when reaching out to victim of crime, that they found meaning in life (Mason, H. D., & Nel, J. A., 2012).

Figure 4. A man talking with a therapist in a therapy session.

Approaches

1. A positive approach: This approach involved focusing on the potential for growth and positive aspects of life even when in the midsts of a tragedy. this approach incorporates positive psychology principles, such as resilience and optimism in order order to help individuals navigate difficult times (Leung, 2019).
2. An integrative approach: This approach combines various psychological, therapeutic, and philosophical perspectives to address the nature of human resilience and suffering. This approach can incorporate elements from cognitive-behavioural therapy, existential therapy and mindfulness practices. this helps individuals find purpose in suffering (Leung, 2019).
3. An empirical approach: This approach involves studying and researching the concepts in order to develop a better understanding of its effects on mental health and well-being. this approach has the ability to provide insights into practical applications and to refine therapeutic interventions.

Assessment

Meaning therapy can be assessed using the following instruments. These can be used at the beginning and at the end of the counselling process in order to assess the clients progression.

1. Personal Meaning Profile: Unpacks different sources of meaning;
2. Life Orientation Scale: Determines the extent to which the individuals hold a meaning mindset or global belief;
3. Basic Psychological Needs Assessment Scale: Measures the degree to which an individual has met their basic needs;
4. Quest for Meaning Scale: To assess where an individual stands at the present moment of completing the assessment.

(Wong, 2015).

Meaning-centred intervention strategies

The following five interventions strategies derived from Wong (2015), are based on theoretical concepts in meaning therapy. These strategies can help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives (Wong, 2015).

1. Cultivation of intrinsic self-worth;
   1. To practice self-acceptance
2. The double-vision strategy;
   1. Empowering clients to instead look beyond at the bigger picture rather than look at their immediate fears and trauma
3. The PURE intervention strategy;
   1. A conceptual framework for goal striving and also for goal-setting
4. The ABCDE intervention strategy;
   1. Acceptance
   2. Belief
   3. Commitment
   4. Discovery
   5. Evaluation
5. The dual-systems strategy;
   1. Combines both PURE and ABCDE strategies

There are many other techniques and exercises that individuals can use in order to help individuals form purpose in their lives such as;

1. Dereliction
2. Perspective-taking
3. Daily self-affirmation mantras exercises
4. Gratitude exercises
5. Daily exercise in the Fivefold Path to Positive Mental Health

(Wong, 2015)

Meaning therapy is used as a tool of individuals who have experienced trauma due to its ability to make people; reframe their suffering, search for meaning, look at their choices and responsibilities and for them to connect with their values. By using meaning therapy, individuals have the ability to maintain their hope and optimism, even during a traumatic event.

Quiz 1. The measures the degree to which an individual has met their basic needs. 2. What is the main reason why tragic optimism is needed? 3. Frankl's book " " is a seminal work that explores the concept of and in depth 4. According to Frankl (1985), tragic optimism cannot be effectively pursued in the . Instead, it requires individuals to face and endure . 5. In the ABCDE intervention strategy, what does the letter 'C' stand for? . 6. Dealing with trauma is different for everyone and can depend heavily on their . 7. Viktor Frankl, categorises human existence, into three categories: , , and

Conclusion

Tragic optimism is an important and unique theory coined by Viktor Frankl in which enables individuals who have lived through a traumatic experience to be able to 'see light at the end of the tunnel'. Even though tragic optimism is not a well known concept it was important during the concentration camps, and more recently, is still needed during the coronavirus pandemic.

This chapter primarily discuses and focuses on three umbrella questions with then further providing details; historical development, the importance and the fostering of tragic optimism. As the terms toxic positivity and tragic optimism get confused, it was important to firstly summaries the difference between the two before moving on. Following that, the history development of the concept was introduced showing people how tragic optimism has changed and evolved overtime. Following, without understanding how trauma can affect a person, tragic optimism seems less important, showing to to be one of the most important sections. Two case studies were presented in the section, one past and one current, showing how tragic optimism can be used at anytime. Lastly, the chapter concludes with the understanding of how tragic optimism can be fostered focusing on meaning therapy.

Thought the chapter, theories, case studies and real world studies are presented to further understanding of the concept. Tragic optimism, shows to be an important part in the process of recovery for trauma, however, it is a topic that more people need to be aware of.

Poll results In order to see what answers university students gave regarding tragic optimism, a poll was created in order to collect data. Click on the link below to see the results or participate yourself. See poll results here

See also

• Psychological resilience during COVID-19 pandemic isolation (Book chapter, 2020)
• Optimism and coping (Book chapter, 2021)
• Optimism and physical health (Book chapter, 2021)

References

Bushkin, H., van Niekerk, R., & Stroud, L. (2021). Searching for meaning in chaos: Viktor Frankl’s story. Europe's Journal of Psychology, 17(3), Article 233. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.5439

Cagri, T. M. (2012). Existentialism in two plays of Jean-Paul Sartre. International Journal of English and Literature, 3(3), 50–54. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJEL11.042

Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2010). Optimism. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 879–889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.006

Flannery, R. B. (2015). Treating psychological trauma in first responders: A multi-modal paradigm. Psychiatric Quarterly, 86, 261–267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-014-9329-z

Frankl, V. E. (1985). Man's search for meaning. Simon and Schuster.

Gerber, M. R., & Gerber, E. B. (2019). An introduction to trauma and health. In M. R. Gerber (ed.), Trauma-informed healthcare approaches: A guide for primary care, 3–23. https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Chapter-1-An-Introduction-to-Trauma-and-Health.pdf

Längle, A., & Sykes, B. M. (2006). Viktor Frankl—Advocate for humanity: On his 100th birthday. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 46(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167805281150

Lee, D., & James, S. (2012). The compassionate mind approach to recovering from trauma: Using compassion focused therapy. Hachette UK.

Leung, M. M. (2019). Tragic optimism: An integrative meaning-centred approach to trauma treatment. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 32(3-4), 529–547. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2019.1633497

Leung, M. M., Arslan, G., & Wong, P. T. (2021). Tragic optimism as a buffer against COVID-19 suffering and the psychometric properties of a brief version of the Life Attitudes Scale. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.646843

Mason, H. D., & Nel, J. A. (2012). A case of tragic optimism: Volunteer counsellors' experience of meaning. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 22(2), 273–277. https://doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2012.10820530

Mead, J. P., Fisher, Z., Tree, J. J., Wong, P. T., & Kemp, A. H. (2021). Protectors of wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: Key roles for gratitude and tragic optimism in a UK-based cohort. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 647951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647951

Michailidou, E. M. (2023). Toxic positivity: The pressure to always feel happy as a health care worker and how to deal with a negative review in the hospital workplace. The importance of mentoring. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, 10(3), 277–280. https://doi.org/10.14738/jbemi.103.

Ranjan, P. S. (2020). COVID-19, lockdown and tragic optimism. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 8(2), 268-270. https://doi.org/10.25215/0802.235

Wachsmann, N. (2015). KL: A history of the Nazi concentration camps. Hachette UK.

Wong, P. T. (2015). Meaning therapy: Assessments and interventions. Existential Analysis, 26(1), 154–167. http://www.drpaulwong.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Meaning-Therapy-Assessments-Interventions-Paul-Wong.pdf

Xiong, J., Lipsitz, O., Nasri, F., Lui, L. M., Gill, H., Phan, L., Chen-Li, D., Iacobucci, M., Ho, R., Majeed, A., & McIntyre, R. S. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 277, 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.08.001

External links

• How Tragic Optimism Benefits You (MasterClass)
• Ditch Toxic Positivity for Tragic Optimism (Psychology Today)
• Listerine & Tragic Optimism - Jeff Bloodworth (TEDx Talks, Youtube)