To be "overly optimistic" means to have an excessively positive or idealistic view of something, often disregarding potential flaws or limitations. In psychology, this refers to the belief that humanistic theories may portray human nature as inherently good and overlook the darker aspects of human behavior.
Related terms
Cognitive Bias: A tendency for individuals to perceive and interpret information in ways that support their pre-existing beliefs or expectations.
Confirmation Bias: The tendency to seek out information that confirms one's existing beliefs while ignoring or discounting information that contradicts them.
Positive Psychology: An approach in psychology that focuses on studying and promoting positive emotions, well-being, and strengths in individuals rather than solely focusing on psychopathology.