Outcomes of Optimism
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1) Optimism is a mental attitude that focuses on the positive aspects of life and expects good outcomes. 2) Research shows that optimists experience better physical and psychological health compared to pessimists. They are less likely to suffer from anxiety or depression. 3) Optimists also tend to perform better academically and professionally as they are more likely to actively cope with challenges rather than avoid them. Their positive thinking style motivates greater effort and perseverance.
Outcomes of Optimism
- 1. S a m w a a d Page 29 of 67h t t p : / / s a m w a a d . i n S a m w a a d : e - J o u r n a l I S S N : 2 2 7 7 - 7 4 9 0 2014: Vol.3 Iss.2 Outcomes of Optimism Richi Simon Assistant Professor Department of Social Work The Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Bhopal "If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place" One of the most apt sayings by Laozi, positive thinking sets all things into right place. Our outlook towards the different spheres of life affects them. Positive thinking doesn't means to ignore the negative consequences but to think of the brighter side in such times. Optimism is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects positive results. Positive thinking is a choice. Not everybody accepts that optimism affects life. But many research works have been done in this direction. In his book, ‘Learned Optimism: How to change your mind and your Life', Martin E.P. Seligman the way we think, especially about our health, changes our health, and that a person who thinks more optimistic thoughts is healthier inwardly. He states that, due to the "health habits" (thinking positively and acting accordingly to their positive thoughts), optimists are less prone to mental ailments such as anxiety and depression. Seligman's book shows the research available in 1991 on optimism's positive effects. Scheier and Carver supported Seilgman's work through their article "On the Power of Positive Thinking: The Benefits of Being Optimistic." They explained that because optimists are more likely to participate in "active coping techniques," they are less prone to failure. They referenced a study where research showed that confronted by a bad situation, optimists do not avoid the situation (a characteristic of pessimists); instead, they take direct direction, are "planned with dealing adversity," and are more focused in their "coping efforts".
- 2. S a m w a a d Page 30 of 67h t t p : / / s a m w a a d . i n S a m w a a d : e - J o u r n a l I S S N : 2 2 7 7 - 7 4 9 0 2014: Vol.3 Iss.2 Staw et al. showed that positive emotions on job led to favorable outcomes on the job. Research has found that the pessimists are more likely to lower their effort, withdraw from task oriented behaviors upon facing unfavorable events than those who show optimistic interpretation of Behavior. According to the data collected by Gallup Inc., there are three traits closely linked to academic success- student hope, engagement and well being. Hope accounts for about 13 percent of the variance in student's academic success. Another study by Synder et al., ‘Hope and Academic Success in College' demonstrated that students with high hopes outperformed those with less hope. Thus, it can be concluded that positive thinking motivates the person to face the adverse situations with hope and positivity. Benefits of positive thinking include: Increased life span Better job and academic performance Better psychological and physical well-being Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress Better decision making in unfavorable circumstances. Think Positive, Be Positive!
- 3. S a m w a a d Page 31 of 67h t t p : / / s a m w a a d . i n S a m w a a d : e - J o u r n a l I S S N : 2 2 7 7 - 7 4 9 0 2014: Vol.3 Iss.2 References • Scheier, Michael F.; Carver, S.Charles.(1993, Feb). On the power of positive thinking: The benefits of being optimistic. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2(1), 26-30. • Seligman, Martin E.P. (1992). Learned Optimism: How to change your mind and your Life. Newyork: Vintage books. • Sydner et.al. (2002). Hope and Academic Success in College, Journal of Educational Psychology, 94(4), 820-826. • Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2014, from • http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art- 20043950 • Heitin, L. (2012). Polling Group: Student Success linked to Positive Outlook , Retrieved June 15,2014, from http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2011/08/23/gallup_students.html?tkn=ZWMF6tOPpu57RjD GAQt6w0n0Ats4x8efRVDD&cmp=clp-edweek