False beliefs can provide psychological benefits to individuals

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

2 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that false beliefs can provide psychological benefits to individuals?

Yes. Empirical research in positive psychology indicates that positive illusions and cognitive biases can offer significant psychological benefits, such as enhancing resilience, improving subjective well-being, and aiding recovery from adversity.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 2 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 4 Aug 2026

The analysis

The claim that false beliefs (specifically positive illusions and biases) can provide psychological benefits is directly supported by contemporary psychological research showing their adaptive value for resilience and well-being. Papers [3] and [4] explicitly demonstrate these positive psychological functions. None of the provided papers refute the claim.

Evidence for · 2

Relationship Between Positive Illusions, Psychological Resilience, and Subjective Well-Being in College Students: A New Attempt at Positive Psychology

2024

This study demonstrates that positive illusions act as a mechanism of cognitive adaptation that significantly correlates with enhanced psychological resilience and subjective well-being.

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Xiang, K. (2024). Relationship Between Positive Illusions, Psychological Resilience, and Subjective Well-Being in College Students: A New Attempt at Positive Psychology. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941241269471

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More for · 1

Adaptive value of positive illusions: coping with adversity and improving relationships.

2025

This research highlights the adaptive value of positive illusions in coping with adversity, accelerating psychological recovery after trauma, and improving interpersonal relationships.

Get citation

H, C. (2025). Adaptive value of positive illusions: coping with adversity and improving relationships.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1540566

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Receipt History

first checked04 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 7704 Aug 2026

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