Power of Optimism and the Psychology Behind It

Optimism is the phenomenon where the person tends to downplay the negative events and think where only the positive events tend to occur. Optimists think that they can avoid the problems in daily life and because of this, they are very much able to cope with the stressful situations that they face in their lives (Conversano C., et al., 2010). Usually, some people can cultivate this habit of thinking positively and can sail through their problems smoothly. What makes them able to do it? 

Various factors tend to play an important role in the optimism of an individual. One of the main factors is cognitive processing. Optimists tend to challenge the negative thoughts and they can remove such negative thoughts from their mind. The attributional style also plays an important role in this factor, as optimists tend to see the positive events in the world as something that can be attributable to internal, stable, and global factors. In contrast, the negative events can be attributable to external and temporary factors that don’t last for a long time (Metcalfe, J., 2013). Genetic factors also tend to influence whether the person is optimistic or pessimistic. In a study which was conducted by Seligman and his colleagues in the year 1993, it was found that the correlation between identical twins in terms of reactions to positive and negative events was 0.48, which suggests that there is some level of evidence that optimistic and pessimistic attitudes could also be inherited from one generation to the next (Zuckerman, M., 2001). Also, the neurotransmitters that are released from our brain can influence whether we are optimistic or pessimistic. It is said that dopamine levels in the brain tend to influence the levels of optimism and pessimism in the person. In a study that Tali Sharot and her colleagues conducted, it was found that dopamine tends to influence the ability to reduce negative thoughts about circumstances and negative expectations about the future (Sharot, T., Guitart-Masip, M., Korn, C. W., Chowdhury, R., & Dolan, R. J., 2012).  

Optimism is something that is usually universal and can improve the psychological functioning of an individual in many different ways. This effect is not only limited to the developed world, but can also be seen in developing and underdeveloped nations as well (Scheier, M. F., Carver, C. S., & Bridges, M. W., 2001). Optimism makes sure that the person can bounce back from their setback and can lead a normal life. It helps them navigate the challenges as well. Also, optimism helps improve the physical health of the person because positive thinking leads to positive physical health, a stronger immune system, and a lesser chance of getting any kind of chronic diseases and disorders. This also helps increase motivation as the person becomes more than interested in achieving any kind of goal that they have in mind. Optimism also leads to better social relationships as the individual views them as satisfying. Optimism also helps ensure the maintenance of a positive atmosphere in any kind of relationship (Andersson, G., 1996).  

There is a renewed need for inculcating optimism in oneself, especially after various kinds of wars and pandemics like COVID-19. There are various strategies for inculcating optimism in oneself. One strategy is gratitude. It has been proved through various studies that being thankful to everyone around us, especially God, will make us more optimistic and make sure that we think mostly positively. The second strategy includes visualizing positive things and thinking of achieving positive things. This helps create a mental image of achieving goals and reinforcing positive goals and thinking in the individual. Mindfulness and positive affirmations can help redirect an individual from negative thoughts and help promote a positive outlook toward life and a more optimistic perspective (Setia S., Krageloh C., Bandyopadhyay G., & Subramaniam K., 2021).   

References- 

1. Conversano C., et al., (2010). Optimism and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Well-Being. 

2. Zuckerman, M. (2001). Optimism and pessimism: Biological foundations.

3. Sharot, T., Guitart-Masip, M., Korn, C. W., Chowdhury, R., & Dolan, R. J. (2012). How dopamine enhances an optimism bias in humans. Current Biology, 22(16), 1477-1481. 

4. Metcalfe, J. (2013). Cognitive optimism: Self-deception or memory-based processing heuristics? In Metacognition (pp. 100-110). Psychology Press. Cognitive optimism: Self-deception or memory-based processing heuristics?. In Metacognition (pp. 100-110). Psychology Press.

5. Scheier, M. F., Carver, C. S., & Bridges, M. W. (2001). Optimism, pessimism, and psychological well-being.

6. Andersson, G. (1996). The benefits of optimism: A meta-analytic review of the Life Orientation Test. Personality and Individual Differences, 21(5), 719-725.

7. Setia S., Krageloh C., Bandyopadhyay G., & Subramaniam K., (2021). Inculcating Dispositional Optimism for Prevention of Mental and Substance Use Disorders Throughout and After the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic.