PMID: 9418282Jan 7, 1998Paper

Distinguishing optimism from pessimism in older adults: is it more important to be optimistic or not to be pessimistic?

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
S Robinson-WhelenJ K Kiecolt-Glaser

Abstract

Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the Life Orientation Test (LOT) consisted of separate Optimism and Pessimism factors among middle-aged and older adults. Although the two factors were significantly negatively correlated among individuals facing a profound life challenge (i.e., caregiving), they were only weakly correlated among noncaregivers. Caregivers also expressed less optimism than noncaregivers and showed a trend toward greater pessimism, suggesting that life stress may affect these dispositions. Pessimism, not optimism, uniquely predicted subsequent psychological and physical health; however, optimism and pessimism were equally predictive for stressed and nonstressed samples. By exploring optimism and pessimism separately, researchers may better determine whether the beneficial effects of optimism result from thinking optimistically, avoiding pessimistic thinking, or a combination of the two.

Citations

Jun 1, 2006·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·Joel MilamSue Stoyanoff
Aug 28, 2009·Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine·Heather N RasmussenJoel B Greenhouse
Oct 19, 2010·Journal of Personality Assessment·Steven P ReiseMark G Haviland
Feb 8, 2011·The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences·Amit ShriraDov Shmotkin
Jan 18, 2013·Journal of Aging and Health·Eva KahanaElizabeth Midlarsky
Dec 15, 2012·Journal of Behavioral Medicine·Marjolein M HanssenMadelon L Peters
Sep 24, 2013·Depression Research and Treatment·Michela BalsamoAristide Saggino
Mar 13, 1999·Annual Review of Psychology·J T Cacioppo, W L Gardner
Sep 26, 2013·Shinrigaku kenkyu : The Japanese journal of psychology·Miki Toyama
Apr 1, 2005·Journal of Personality Assessment·Inger SchouCornelia M Ruland

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Health Psychology : Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association
D K MroczekR Bossé
Health Psychology : Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association
Mika KivimäkiJaana Pentti
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved