Optimism, pessimism, and psychological well-being.

Abstract

Presents an overview of research on the effects of an optimistic orientation to life on psychological well-being. The chapter begins by commenting on a distinction between two ways of assessing optimism and pessimism. Then the authors review some of the empirical evidence linking positive thinking to well-being, focusing on prospective studies in both health- and nonhealth-related contexts. They then consider why optimism might confer benefits, arguing that the benefits are due, in part, to the way in which optimists and pessimists cope with problems. The conclusion addresses whether or not the effects of optimism are always good and the effects of pessimism are always bad.

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