Running head: OPTIMISM AND HEALTH

Optimism and Health Shauna Carton Psy/220 December 5, 2010 Taurus Jackson

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Optimism and Health Throughout our lifetimes, we are all affected by whether we are optimistic or pessimistic. In this paper I will summarize two articles that support the idea that optimism impacts psychological and physical well-being. One article focuses on children. The other focuses on adults. Whether we are young or old, being optimistic increases our chances of living better, healthier lives.

First, the article Comparative Risk and Perceived Control: Implications for Psychological and Physical Well-Being Among Older Adults, by Ruthig, Chipperfield, Perry, Newall, and Swift, was written about a study that had been done on older adults. The adults' perceptions on suffering a hip fracture in comparison to others their own age were studied by the authors. In addition to studying the adults' self ratings on general physical health, emotions, and life satisfactions, the authors studied the adults' perception on control over their own lives (Ruthig, Chipperfield, Perry, Newall, & Swift, 2007). The authors predicted that those with a more optimistic outlook would be healthier, both physically and mentally. The results were that this was indeed true. According to Ruthig, Chipperfield, Perry, Newall, and Swift (2007), "Moreover, excessively worrying about potential negative health outcomes may erode one's actual physical, functional, and psychological health without the crisis occurring" (p. 346). Therefore, I agree that optimism does have an effect on adults of all ages. Many adults are stressed about their careers, relationships, and general day-to-day activities. We live in a fast paced world. If adults are constantly worrying about whether they have the time to get something done in time, relationships with the people around them, or life in

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general, they may actually make the situation worse. However, if they are optimistic about their circumstances, they may be able to spread that optimistic outlook to others around them. They are less stressed. Less stress means less stress on the mind and body. Being optimistic does affect adults and their physical and mental well-being, but what about children?

Next, the article Wellness Promotion in the Schools: Enhancing Students' Mental and Physical Health, by Miller, Gilman, and Martens, discusses the benefits of optimism among school children as well as extracurricular activities and exercise (Miller, Gilman, & Martens, 2008). The authors suggest inputting hope and optimism during the school day during regular academics. Miller, Gilman, & Martens (2008) state, "For example, a longitudinal study found that optimism in early adulthood predicted health in later adulthood over periods of up to 35 years" (p. 6). Being optimistic and having hope sees children through graduation because they did not drop out (Miller, Gilman, & Martens, 2008). Being optimistic also decreases the likelihood of illness which also helps children to stay in school. Children who are optimistic have better grades and can focus more easily.

Generally speaking, I believe that children who are more optimistic are involved in less fighting. They are well focused on their goals and do not engage in dangerous behaviors. Optimistic children often can get through the troubles and turmoil of adolescence better than others do. They are more likely to be outgoing and have more friends. Those that are not optimistic may suffer from sickness, poor grades, less

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friends, and high stress levels, just like adults. However, one's success in childhood may have a direct link to one's success in adulthood, so it is very important to have an optimistic outlook early as a child. Certainly one can learn optimism, but having it at an early age will most likely be beneficial through the transition from child to adult.

In conclusion, adults and children are very likely to benefit from being optimistic. Studies have shown that people who are more optimistic are healthier mentally and physically. They are less likely to become ill, are more likely to pursue their goals, and do not have such high stress levels like their counterparts. It is beneficial for one's physical and psychological health to be optimistic.

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Miller, D., Gilman, R., & Martens, M. (2008). Wellness promotion in the schools: Enhancing students' mental and physical health. Psychology in the Schools, 45(1), 515. doi:10.1002/pits.20274.

Ruthig, J., Chipperfield, J., Perry, R., Newall, N., & Swift, A. (2007). Comparative Risk and Perceived Control: Implications for Psychological and Physical Well-Being Among Older Adults. Journal of Social Psychology, 147(4), 345. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.