Expression of positive emotion by people who are physically ill: is it evidence of defending or coping?

Content analysis scales were used to explore whether the expression of positive emotion by patients is better interpreted as defending or coping. This intensive study of the psychological states of a large sample of hospitalised patients showed that positive emotion was associated for them with expressions of competence and reports of satisfying interpersonal relationships. Positive emotion was also associated with relatively little depression or indirectly expressed anger. This support for the assumption that positive emotion occurs as a result of effective coping was reinforced by other findings. Positive emotion was also found to be associated with little interference with their interpersonal relationships by the patients' illness and with support perceived to be available from family and community. These findings are discussed in terms of the value of positive emotion for patients and their implications for the management of patients while they are hospitalized.