Optimism and childhood: Theory and current state of research

Abstract

Optimism has been studied in greater depth in adult population than in childhood. Research on this issue gives evidence of the important protection role it plays for people's mental and physical health, putting forward diverse proposals for preventive intervention. However, and in the absence of studies aimed at children, determining the factors that predict it and the estimated consequences for childhood has not been possible. This review aims to contribute to this issue by systematizing findings about optimism in children population so that they can be considered in later interventions at this level.