On the ABC web site (that's the Australian Broadcasting Commission, by the way) was an article reporting a scientific study which apparently shows that positive thinking does not work on cancer. The article reported comments conceding there were benefits to emotional states, but claims there is no evidence of improved survival. Quoting from the article:
"Researchers led by James Coyne, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, found no correlation to a cancer victim's mental wellbeing and their ultimate chances of beating off the disease.
"The belief that a patient's psychological state can impact the course and outcome of their cancer is one that has been prominent among patients and medical professionals alike," Professor Coyne wrote in the study.
"While there can be lots of emotional and social benefits of psychotherapy, patients should not seek such experiences solely on the expectation that they are extending their lives," he said."
In my opinion, this is a good example of the flaws of scientific methods: "one size fits all" research.
In my opinion, there are some people who positive thinking would help, and others who it wouldn't. Accordingly, rather than ask "will it work?", the study should have asked "what are the limits outside of which it will/will not work?" In other words, what types of people will this work on, and what types of people will it not work on? That's a subtlety which does exist in research into medical drugs (notably, what the "contraindications" are for any particular drug), so hopefully that will eventually catch on in other scientific research circles.
In my day job as an engineer, I frequently use scientific methods, the results of scientific research, and work with scientists from time to time: it can be a very useful way of thinking - but it can also be inappropriate or even a hindrance. If I have to fix a problem quickly (e.g., for safety reasons), I'll use my engineering judgement - my "gut feeling", if necessary, "based on experience" ... well, that's the official engineering jargon. It basically means there are times when intuition and "guesstimates" are more valid than scientific method. Because of that experience. I have no problems pointing out flaws in scientific method - such as the research reported in this article.
However, that's just my opinion. The article details are:
Positive thinking doesn't stop cancer: US scientists http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/23/2066862.htm
However, that's just my opinion. The article details are:
Positive thinking doesn't stop cancer: US scientists http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/23/2066862.htm
Have a read and work out what YOUR opinion is :)
Love, light, hugs and blessings
Gnwmythr
This post photo is taken in the Bass Valley (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Coast_Shire) southeast of Melbourne.
Tags: cross-fertilisation (ideas), science,
First published: Tuesday 23rd October, 2007
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