Brigham Young University

Optimism is the inclination to maintain a positive outlook and expect favorable outcomes. It is often conceptualized as a generalized tendency for one to believe that good things will happen. Another perspective defines optimism as the tendency to view life's difficulties and stressors as temporary and external to oneself.

Optimism

This node organizes the reference supporting the finding that higher trait optimism is associated with greater orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volume and reduced trait anxiety. See the cited study below for the full citation and findings.

References for The Role of Optimism in Treating Anxiety

Research has suggested that increased trait optimism acts as a mediator to increased orbitofrontal cortex volume of the brain and reduced trait anxiety. In other words, optimistic individuals tend to have a greater orbitofrontal cortex volume and also tend to display less trait anxiety than those individuals demonstrating lower levels of trait optimism. 

Optimism as a mediator to increased orbitofrontal cortex volume and reduced trait anxiety

References for Optimism and Genetics 

Genetics account for about 25% of an individual's predisposition to optimism as a trait.

Optimism and Genetics 

References for Optimism and Health 

References for Optimism and mental well-being

References for Optimism and adaptivity to environment

References for increasing optimism 

Optimism is a significant predictor of positive health outcomes. Numerous studies have linked optimism to a range of benefits, including increased longevity, healthier behaviors, better immune function, and improved treatment adherence. Furthermore, optimistic individuals tend to experience fewer postsurgical complications, report less pain and fewer physical symptoms, exhibit better physical functioning, and have a lower likelihood of rehospitalization after heart surgery.

Optimism as a Predictor of Positive Health Outcomes

Analyze the responses of both individuals after receiving a poor grade. Based on the tendency to view life's difficulties as either temporary and external or as permanent and personal, identify which individual is demonstrating an optimistic outlook and explain your reasoning by contrasting their perspectives.

Analyzing Responses to a Setback

Read the following scenario. Based on the psychological concept of how individuals interpret life events, identify which person displays a more optimistic outlook and explain your reasoning by referencing specific elements of their response.

Interpreting Life Events

Although positive affect and optimism are related in some ways, they are not the same construct (Pressman & Cohen, 2005). Positive affect is mostly concerned with positive feeling states, whereas optimism is a generalized tendency to expect that good things will happen, or alternatively, a tendency to view life's stressors and difficulties as temporary and external to oneself.

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