Optimism
Optimism is the ability to look at the positives of a situation. It is also the ability to think positively.
What are some of the benefits of being optimistic?
People who are more optimistic have better pain management, improved immune and cardiovascular function, and greater physical functioning. Optimism helps buffer the negative effects of physical illness
What is optimistic bias?
The tendency to overestimate the likelihood of positive outcomes and downplay the possibility of negative ones is called optimistic bias.
Evidence suggests that men and women share similar levels of optimism, but there are gender differences in what they are optimistic about. Men, for example, have been found to hold more optimistic views about the economic future. During economic downturns, however, the gender difference disappears.
Causes of optimism
Some of the factors that influence one to be optimistic are culture, environment, genetics and upbringing.
Effects/Impacts of being Optimistic
· Better Health: Studies have shown that individuals who are optimistic have less cardiovascular issues.
· Greater Achievement: Being optimistic gives us positive energy which helps us achieve our goals.
· Persistence: Optimists are more likely to face challenges, setbacks and obstacles than pessimists. They are less likely to give up easily.
· Emotional Health: Research suggests that cognitive therapy (which involves reframing a person's thought processes) can be as effective or more effective than antidepressant medications in the treatment of clinical depression.
· Increased Longevity: Optimists tend to live longer
· Less Stress: Optimists have better stress management than pessismists.
How can one be more optimistic?