![]() ![]() At the same time, some optimists are able to dissociate the internal mood they experience from external circumstances, however bad it may be. Therefore, they are less likely to feel hated, rejected, sidelined or disfavored. Optimists are less likely to feel threatened and psychologically affected by negative situations because they ascribe good motives to others and interpret situations as positively as possible. Pregnancy, college or change of jobs and cardiac surgery are just but a mention of them. ![]() ![]() Optimistic individuals also adjust better to various situations. Many studies that have been carried out on the effects of optimism reveal that the more positive individuals expect their future to be, the fewer the psychiatric symptoms and the better their mood. This type of optimism is marked by generalized positive expectations. According to Segerstrom (2005), dispositional optimism has been found to predict a higher psychological adjustment. Psychological health One type of optimism that has been found to have positive effects on psychological health is dispositional optimism. Optimism is also a protective factor for substance use among girls and consequently preventing the psychological aftermaths of this. It is helps in their management and this in turn is associated with more health benefits. Optimism is therefore a protective factor against anxiety, stress and depression and related types of mental ill health. The study revealed that optimistic teens have lower rates of antisocial behavior, anxiety and depression (Scheier and Carver, 1992). A study was conducted on a large group of teenagers and it focused on their optimistic thinking style, coping style and interpersonal competence such as conflict resolution and supporting others emotionally. Optimists are more likely to adapt to lifestyles that promote both physical and psychological health as compared to pessimists. This leads to quick recovery and improved health. Engagement is also important for patient co-operation and participation in medical treatment and procedures leading to better patient outcomes (Scheier and Carver, 1992). This engagement is important because it can lead to the termination of the problem through problem solving. Under difficult times, optimists remain engaged instead of avoiding or giving up. This situation has been seen in neck and head cancer patients (Segerstrom, 2005). Optimism has also been associated with reduced mortality rates in some types of diseases because of the resultant improved quality of physical and mental health. An example of this is that optimism predict lower chances of re-hospitalization after a bypass graft surgery in the coronary artery and reduced chances of ambulatory blood pressure. It has been found that people who are optimistic in their expectations report of better physical health. ![]() Studies that analyze the biological outcomes of optimism give a good endorsement on the positive effects of this human quality on physical health. That is that positive thinking is beneficial/helpful. Physical health Scheier and Carver (1992) states that health psychologists have come to discover what people have known for years. This paper gives a summary of the two peer articles that analyze the effects of optimism on physical and psychological health. This is an admirable quality that could affect the physical and psychological health of a person positively. Instead, their interest lies on the remaining possibilities and positive expectations for the future. It is therefore be true to state that such persons do not focus on the empty and lost side of life. For an optimist, a glass containing water half its capacity is half-full and not half empty. It makes one to focus on the positive side of life and how to make something good out of a wretched situation. ?Optimism and Health Effects of optimism on physical and psychological health Optimism is one of the most important qualities that a human being can possess. ![]()
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