Dispositional optimism is a generalized expectation that outcomes will be positive. Optimistic people typically have less stress, more social support and a positive interpretation of events. They are more likely to use problem-focused, active coping skills, and more often seek social support, when under stress. They also tend to emphasize the positive aspects of a stressful situation. I’ll call them the “glass half full” group…
Why Optimism Is Good
Having an optimistic attitude provides many health benefits. A small sampling includes:
- Lower blood blood pressure and heart rate
- Protection from heart disease, and middle-age depression
- Reduced side effects when under-going cancer treatment, and lower cancer mortality
- Reduced impact on social and recreational activities for breast cancer patients
- Quicker healing/faster rate of recovery after hospitialization
How To Be More Optimistic – Fordyce’s Prescription for Happiness
Increasing your positive affect, or optimism, means making changes in your attitudes and behaviors. You need to increase the frequency of your positive emotions. some recommended ways to accomplish this include:
- Strengthening your close relationships (quality, not quantity is important here!)
- Become more social and outgoing
- Keep busy doing things you enjoy by engaging in personally meaningful activities
- Reduce worrying and adopt optimistic thinking patters (counseling can help with this, and therapy often uses reappraisal)
The Health Prone Personality
Just like the Disease Prone Personality has health consequences, the Health Prone Personality offers health benefits. The Health Prone Personality is marked by optimism, a sense of control, conscientiousness, high self-esteem and resilience. Intelligence is another factor that contributes to wellness and longevity. A positive affect has been linked to lower cortisol levels, better responses to vaccinations, improved immunity (flu virus) and lower coronary heart disease risks.
Notes from my Health Psychology class.