---
title: Gary Seale on Optimism and Acquired Brain Injury
description: Resilience is dynamic and modifiable, and specific skills can be practised including optimism and maintaining a positive outlook.
---

[Centre for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog)

# [Gary Seale on Optimism and Acquired Brain Injury](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/gary-seale-on-optimism-and-acquired-brain-injury)

 Written by [Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton) | Jan 21, 2023 6:46:39 PM

Worth Reading: Gary Seale's article, "[Psychosocial Complications and Treatment Approaches Following Acquired Brain Injury](https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/psychosocial-complications-and-treatment-approaches-following-acquired-brain-injury)."

My notes:

"individuals that view their illness or injury as a challenge to overcome believe they can exert some degree of control to change their situation, seek information and ask for assistance, and are more optimistic about their future; they are more likely to exert effort and work hard, and less likely to give up when setbacks occur. They are more likely to have a better outcome than the individual who harbors a “victim” mentality, perceives they have little control to change their situation, and withdraws or blames others for their situation or circumstances."

"Variables that influence positive psychosocial outcomes following brain injury include: focusing on strengths, facing the future with hope and optimism, resilience, identity strength, and positive coping."

"research has also demonstrated that [resilience](https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/building-brain-resilience-a-multi-level-systems-approach) is dynamic and modifiable, and specific skills can be practiced to improve an individual’s ability to adapt to adversity.  Among these skills are: managing emotions, optimism/maintaining a positive outlook, engaging in adaptive problem-solving, use of approach-oriented coping strategies, effective communication, and asking for and accepting assistance."

On Positive Psychology Practices that help, Gary wrote, "*Life summary *techniques included a “lifeline” exercise in which participants narrated past successes or meaningful events to solidify a sense of purpose in life. Life summary exercises decreased levels of [depression](https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/new-biomarker-study-of-rapid-acting-treatment-for-acute-depression) and promoted optimism."

 

[View full post](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/gary-seale-on-optimism-and-acquired-brain-injury)

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