The Role of Dispositional Optimism in Physical and Mental Well-Being

Abstract

(from the chapter) In the last decades, research has focused on the beneficial effects of positive psychological factors on health. One of the most extensively investigated factors of positive psychology is optimism. It is commonly believed that being optimistic confers a buffer against mental and physical health problems. But are these benefits real? Do optimistic people fare better when facing challenges and adversity? And, if so, what are the mechanisms underlying these associations? This review aims to provide the reader with an overview of the current knowledge on optimism and its relations with several biological and psychosocial markers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)