Optimistic people are more likely to face the problems they face more effectively, they think that, despite the obstacles that exist, they can achieve what they have decided to do, they take longer to give up on difficulties and their confrontation Style is generally more proactive, as well as focusing more on what they can gain than on what they can lose. How does this approach to life explain the relationship between optimism and health?
In general, optimism has proven to be a predictor of good health, many measurement indicators have been used to estimate this link, including self-assessments, analysis by health professionals, the number of doctor visits, and the measurement of survival time after a heart attack. It can be concluded from the results of these surveys that the correlation between optimism and health tends to be between 0. 20 and 0. 30.
- Optimism refers to a trend: expecting positive and positive results.
- This is intimately related to people’s psychological and physical well-being.
- However.
- There are two types of optimism:.
Studies, in general, have focused on dispositional optimism and mainly on analyzing how we can get people to have widespread optimism. Authors Sheier and Carver developed the Life Orientation Test (LOT): a tool that measures overall expectations; that is, dissoseal optimism to achieve positive results.
Optimism, well-being and positive affection are directly correlated, so many factors determine a higher or lower level of these concepts:
Optimists use, to a greater extent, strategies to solve problems directly, especially when they feel they have control of the situation, that is, when they believe they can do something to change the problem situation, so they act and then evaluate. However, pessimists evaluate and then, if expectations convince them, they act (Sanna, L. , 1996).
Positive emotions are associated with an increase in immunoglobulins A, it is an antibody considered the first line of defense against the disease, however, there are not only direct effects of these emotions, but also subjective, so people who feel happy:
“If the mind is calm and occupied by positive thoughts, it is harder for the body to get sick. Dalai Lama?
There are three mechanisms that seek to understand the relationship between optimism and health:
In general, many studies find that optimistic people recover more satisfactorily from diseases than pessimists. Some evidence to support this idea is:
After this brief but interesting tour of the details of the relationship between optimism and health, it is in our hands to repair or adapt our disposition to what we would like, our personality and our perceptual filters to what we believe we are helping. What we have seen is that, in many cases, a certain degree of optimism is an aid to our mood and health.
It is the quality of interpersonal relationships that predicts well-being.
Sanjuon, P y Pérez, A. M (2006) Personality and emotional life I: positive affections Personality psychology: theory and research. Madrid: UNED.