Gabriele Oettingen

Oettingen probes the complexities of human motivation and future-oriented thinking, contributing significantly to the psychological landscape through her research on self-regulation and goal attainment. Her scholarly journey began with studies in biology at the University of Munich and led to a PhD from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. She has enriched her academic pursuits with research at prestigious institutions such as the Max Planck Institute and the Medical Research Council in Cambridge. Her research focuses on how future thinking affects cognition, emotion, and behavior, particularly emphasizing the limitations of positive thinking. Her approach to understanding these dynamics is encapsulated in the concept of "mental contrasting" with "implementation intentions" (MCII), which aids individuals in recognizing obstacles and planning to overcome them.\n\nThe book "Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation" offers a nuanced perspective that challenges conventional paradigms. By blending empirical research with practical applications, Oettingen provides insights into cognitive processes and behavioral outcomes, making her work accessible to a broad audience. This book is pivotal for those interested in understanding the psychology of motivation, as it presents strategies to achieve goals through a realistic and balanced mindset. Her development of the WOOP model (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) has further broadened the reach of her research, providing a structured technique for goal attainment accessible through a widely used app.\n\nOettingen’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of motivational psychology, influencing both academic discourse and practical approaches to personal development. She has authored over 150 scholarly articles, expanding her impact across various subfields of psychology. As a professor at New York University and the University of Hamburg, she continues to inspire and educate, bridging rigorous scientific inquiry with self-help literature. Her work is supported by the MacArthur Foundation, underscoring her scholarly prestige and ongoing influence in the field.