Abstract: As an important research topic of contemporary positive psychology, positive illusions refer to kinds of positive psychological adaptations that individuals take when they face threatening situations or stressful events. Positive illusions have abundant connotations, including three main manifestations: unrealistically positive views of the self, exaggerated perceptions of personal control, and unrealistic optimism. Questionnaire and experimentation are regarded as two main research methods. Mental health, psychological resource, romantic relationship and cross—culture are chiefly involved in present studies on positive illusions.

Key words: positive illusion, mental health, control, psychological resource