Friday, Jul 24, 2026 The claims desk. Receipts included. POWERED BY LENZ ↗
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HEALTH

The Claim

Adopting an intentionally optimistic mindset, often referred to as 'delulu', increases self-confidence.

Verified by Lenz ·

The Short Version

While research shows optimism correlates with self-confidence and well-being, no peer-reviewed study has tested whether intentionally adopting a "delulu" mindset causes increased self-confidence. The claim conflates a loosely defined internet slang term with studied psychological constructs like optimism, treats correlation as causation, and omits evidence that excessive or unrealistic optimism can lead to poor decision-making and burnout. The core idea has a grain of truth, but the claim as stated significantly overstates what the evidence supports.

Caveats

  • No peer-reviewed research has specifically tested the 'delulu' mindset's effect on self-confidence; even supportive media coverage acknowledges this gap.
  • The key study cited (Source 3) shows correlation between optimism and self-confidence in a narrow student sample — it does not prove that intentionally adopting optimism causes confidence to increase.
  • 'Delulu' can imply unrealistic or excessive optimism, which research links to poorer decision-making and potential psychological harm — important context the claim omits.

The Receipts

  1. Optimism and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Well-Being

    PMC (PubMed Central)

  2. DELULU Slang Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    Merriam-Webster

  3. The relationship between self-confidence and optimism in completing thesis for psychology students at Uin Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh | Acta Psychologia

    Acta Psychologia

  4. Optimism Can Enrich Your Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing

    Ford Health

  5. The Psychology Behind "Delulu Thinking" and 5 Ways to Put a Healthy Spin to It

    PsychUniverse

  6. The Psychology of Being "Delulu" - by Dr. Judy Ho

    Dr. Judy Ho

  7. Going 'delulu': being delusional is the new manifesting | Life and style | The Guardian

    The Guardian

  8. How to Prime Your Mind for Optimism

    Greater Good Magazine (UC Berkeley)

  9. The Dangers and Benefits of Unrealistic Optimism - Psychology Town

    Psychology Town

  10. When "Delulu" and "Crash Out" Culture Goes Too Far: A Trauma-Informed Perspective on Trendy Escapism - The Peaceful Place

    The Peaceful Place

+ 2 more sources — see the full list on Lenz

Filed Under

delulu mindset