Why Optimism Is Good for People
Optimists aren't just happier, they also live longer and get sick less often. But how does one become an optimist? And what can we do to strengthen our own optimism?
The world offers plenty of reasons to be pessimistic: the climate crisis, the war in Ukraine, waning economic power, the rise of extremists. Somehow, the present and future have looked better and more promising before. It's easy to lose optimism in the face of all this. Researchers use tests like the Life Orientation Test to determine if someone is more of an optimist or a pessimist. This test includes statements like: "Even in uncertain times, I usually expect the best," "If something can go wrong for me, it will," or "Things rarely turn out the way I want them to." Based on agreement with ten such statements, it can be determined whether one belongs to the group that believes good things will happen to them and expects a positive future, i.e., the optimists, or the others.
Twin or sibling studies suggest that about 25 percent of optimism is inherited. "Newborns initially have an unconditional trust that all their needs will be met," says psychologist Ralph Schliewenz. But of course, there are also differences in temperament among newborns. Those who grow up with parental care and warmth, and perhaps relative financial security, are more likely to become optimistic adults. If children experience things going well and their parents behaving competently and supportively, their chances of success also increase, says psychologist Katja Ehrenberg. A parenting style marked by threats or general bitterness or mistrust is likely to instill a basic skepticism in young people.
Control and Success
Studies show that children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or financial insecurity are more likely to become pessimists later in life. A good parent-child relationship can protect against these negative influences, especially if it involves both parents. The key experience is that challenges can ultimately be overcome successfully. Two main characteristics distinguish optimists: the feeling of having control over oneself and one's life, and trust in one's ability to make things happen.
Those who weren't born with these traits can still work on them throughout their lives. "I must accept that there are things I can't change, and focus on the things where I have control, where I can experience myself as effective," says Schliewenz. Making problems one's own that one has little influence over is a recipe for failure. "And then it will be hard to remain optimistic, even if I was before."
Accepting that there are things one can't change and focusing on the things one can control is what psychologists call realistic optimism. Unlike naive or blind optimism, it is based on a positive image of the future while simultaneously taking steps to make that future a reality.
Health Benefits
It's about more than just feeling better. Various studies show that optimists often directly benefit from their optimism. People with a positive outlook have a particularly good chance of living to 85 or older. They have a lower risk of illness, and if they do get sick, for example with cancer, their mortality rates are lower than those in the comparison group.
Similar observations are made during pregnancies – women with a positive outlook on life tend to be healthier overall, have fewer premature births, and give birth to fewer low-weight babies. Optimists have a greater pain tolerance, their wounds heal better, and they are less likely to catch cold viruses. While it's not always possible to distinguish in studies whether optimists simply live healthier lives, for example, by regularly visiting the doctor, smoking or drinking less, and exercising more, even when these lifestyle differences are taken into account, the optimistic remain significantly ahead. For example, among refugees and migrants, optimists tend to integrate better into their new homeland. Optimists are also more likely to complete their education, find a partner, and maintain stable relationships.
Action breeds optimism
In general, optimistic people are more resilient to life's challenges. This is beneficial because humans' brains have been specialized in problem-solving for 20,000 years and are always ready to learn. "If we don't just focus on crises, but also on solutions, we can learn from each other and for ourselves," says psychologist Katja Ehrenberg. "Because we start trying things again. And that's how we learn. If we just think everything is great with rose-colored glasses, that would be fatal. But if we maintain our ability to act, then the chance of something actually improving increases. And then we have realistic optimism."
A little extra optimism can't hurt, so it's worth investing in one's own confidence and learning to be more optimistic. Dutch optimism researcher Madelon Peters believes that everyone has "room" for more positive thoughts. Pessimists often see the world worse than it is, so there's room for improvement. Even in difficult situations, positive emotions can be found or generated. One could write down three things one is grateful for and recognize one's own strengths involved.
It's also important to do things that bring joy, that make one forget the time while feeling happy and content. This includes interactions with and connections to people, whether in family, friendships, colleague circles, or neighborhoods. This helps formulate values that help one see meaning in one's own life. Lastly, one should remind oneself of one's own achievements, not just grades and classical successes, but also mastered challenges, completed tasks, or a managed daily life. People can't know what's coming or what's best, but these building blocks create resilience that helps maintain optimism even in tougher times.
The findings from the Life Orientation Test indicate that 'The psychology' of optimism is significantly linked with expectancy of positive outcomes and a belief in a promising future. Engaging in activities that bring joy and fostering a sense of achievement can also contribute to strengthening one's own ' optimization'.
