The Internal Dialogue: On the Asymmetry Between Positive and Negative Coping Thoughts 1

The concept o f the internal dialogue-and specifically the fundamental polarity between positive and negative thoughts-has historical antecedents from Plato to William James. Recent cognitive-behavioral research suggests that functional groups are characterized by approximately a 1.7 to 1 ratio oJ positive to negative coping thoughts, whereas mildly dysfunctional groups demonstrate equal frequencies o f such thoughts. Furthermore, this research reveals an asymmetry between positive and negative coping thoughts, whereby negative thoughts have greater functional impact and are more likely to change as a result o f therapy. After selectively tracing relevant historical factors, this article reviews research supporting these asymmetrical relationships and explores potential implications for increased specificity in cognitivebehavioral therapies.