Michigan State University conducted an interesting study on optimism, which is not the first to be carried out on this subject, but it is one of the most complete, and has become one of the most surprising due to the conclusions it has obtained .
Optimism is defined as an attitude by which reality tends to be appreciated in a somewhat distorted way: emphasizing its positive or favorable aspects, so it is a particular way of interpreting facts, something that sometimes arises naturally, by the personality of the individual. person, or in relation to a philosophical position in this regard.
- This optimism study was led by Professor William Chopik and is considered the most comprehensive of its kind.
- To complete this study.
- A sample of 75.
- 000 people between the age of 16 and 101 was collected.
- People from the United States.
- Germany and the Netherlands were followed.
Optimism is the faith that leads to realization. Can’t we do anything without hope and confidence?
This optimism study was designed to measure the level of optimism and future expectations of men and women at different stages of life, as well as frequent events such as marriage, divorce, new employment, death, etc. how these events influenced the positive perspective of life.
Participants whose lives have experienced extraordinary events, positive or negative, have not been analyzed. The study was conducted in a typical living environment, with common gains and losses. In other words, “Normal? who have gone through acceptable circumstances.
Researchers also wanted to determine whether the optimistic outlook changes over time or whether they are somehow age-related. Previous studies have shown that people tend to develop greater optimism in middle age.
One of the surprising conclusions of this optimism study is that tragic or difficult events do not seem to significantly affect the desire to see the positive aspects of life, situations such as death or divorce have not significantly changed this attitude, it seems that most people know that they should focus on the positive aspects of reality , despite adversity, because it maintains emotional balance.
The studio’s director, William Chopik, noted that people are more resistant to adversity than people think, there is a tendency to believe that tragic events radically change the perspective of those who experience them, but that is not the case. even after terrible experiences, people still look to the future with hope.
Another surprising fact from this study on optimism is the relationship between this attitude and age, in general, between the ages of 16 and 70, optimism continues to grow, it is a part of life where people look to the future with hope.
Apparently, it has to do with the fact that during this long stage, there are a number of vital facts that give people hope, new loves, new jobs, studies, independence, etc. , this dynamic influences the increase in optimism.
After the age of 70 there is considerable change, for most people optimism begins to gradually decline after this age, all indications are that this is because people realize that most of their lives have been left behind and that diseases are more present.
Other studies cited in this research suggest that optimism is closely related to childhood experiences. When significant and safe relationships are experienced with adults during childhood, a positive vision of lifelong reality develops.
There is also evidence that optimism and achievement are realities that feed on each other. This means that optimistic people are more likely to achieve what they have decided to do; in turn, these achievements reinforce attitude and hope.