This study investigated changes in positive perceptions of illness following rehabilitation. Patients completed the 38 positive-item Silver Lining Questionnaire (SLQ) on two occasions: 20 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients on entry to a waiting list and at the start of rehabilitation; 35 COPD and 29 cardiac patients at the start and end of a rehabilitation programme. At first assessment, on average, between seven and 13 items were endorsed depending on group. Positivity increased after rehabilitation for COPD patients ( p <0.01), and cardiac patients ( p <0.001): on average three and four additional items were endorsed respectively. There was no change in positivity for patients on the waiting list. The data suggest that rehabilitation leads to an increase in perceived positive consequences of illness.