Scientific Pollyannaism

Scientific Pollyannaism: From Inquisition to Positive Psychology is a textbook that examines how Western scientific traditions have historically enforced optimism. Author Oksana Yakushko explores how scientific authorities across modern Western history have promoted forced happiness while criticizing negative emotional states.

Using the story of the orphan Pollyanna and her glad games as a critical lens, the text addresses how scientific movements minimize the role of the environment. The volume investigates approaches that encourage emotional regulation rather than acknowledging loss, abuse, and social prejudice.

Widely used across colleges and universities, this 2019 publication evaluates the strategies employed to press individuals into adopting an uncritical Pollyanna attitude toward science itself.