September 18, 2006

Room for optimism

Optimism without doubt has its benefits.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that the "glass half full brigade" had a fifty per cent decreased risk of early death compared to pessimists.

A new study has shown that optimists might be better equipped to deal with traumatic situations. A study which began before the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, conducted by Barbara L. Fredrickson, a professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, found that people identified as being resilient and optimistic before the tragedy, were half as likely to suffer depression afterward as those more pessimistic by nature.

For those that are challenged by the aging process, there is reason for optimism as well.

A new study, published in the Journal of Research in Personality, conducted by K Sheldon compared well-being and goal motivations of students and their parents.
(The average age of adults participating in the study was 50. The average student age was 20.)

Both groups listed their life goals and rated their reasons for selecting them. They also rated their current well-being. The results were calculated and older participants recording higher levels of life satisfaction.

And finally, two tips to help develop your levels of optimism:

1. Believe!
43% percent of people who regularly attend religious services are “very happy,” compared to 26% of those who rarely do.

2. Get married.
Married people are, on average, significantly happier than the unmarried.
(These are some of the findings of 2006 Pew Research study.)

Posted by Kevin Kelly at September 18, 2006 09:49 AM