The mechanism of optimism and pessimism on one's health: Japan vs China

Abstract

This study aimed at examining whether optimism and pessimism, mediated by emotions and coping styles, affects mental and physical health. We contrasted Japanese college students (n = 176, M (age) = 19.67, SD = 1.00) with Chinese college students (n = 199, M (age) = 20.45, SD = 2.04), to explore cultural differences. A questionnaire was administered twice, two weeks apart, to the two groups of participants. Results suggested that optimism led to more positive emotions in Chinese participants, which had a positive effect on positive reinterpretation that benefited health, whereas pessimism led to more negative emotions, which had a negative effect on positive reinterpretation and resulted in impaired health. Due to the differences in the self-improvement motivation between Chinese and Japanese students, the influence of pessimism on coping styles is different. Compared to Chinese students, Japanese students had more interdependence of self with others and selfimprovement motivation. Hence even when Japanese students score high in pessimism, that may not influence individual approaches to goals.