The Benefits of Illusions, the Threat of Disillusionment, and the Limitations of Inaccuracy

Abstract

Based largely on research with victims, it is argued that illusions characterize our most basic assumptions about ourselves and our world and that these illusions are generally adaptive. The process of coping with victimization involves coming to terms with disillusionment, and strategies are presented that facilitate the process of rebuilding or retaining some illusions postvictimization. The maladaptive side of illusions is discussed, and a case is made for considering the hierarchical structure of our conceptual systems in determining the adaptiveness or maladaptiveness of illusions. Illusions at the level of our highest order postulates (i.e., people's most fundamental assumptions) and accuracy at the level of our lowest level postulates (i.e., people's beliefs about their specific abilities and interactions) are presented as hallmarks of mental health.