Psychology of Optimism

by Brandt, Phyllis R.

• ISBN13: 9781617283109
• ISBN10: 161728310X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-10-01
• Publisher: Nova Science Pub Inc

Summary

Optimism can be defined as positive generalised outcome expectancies and has been shown to act as a protective factor against somatic and mental health problems. Numerous studies report an association between optimism and enhanced coping strategies, lower levels of distress and depression, lower risk of mortality, slower disease progression, and better psychological adjustment to a diagnosis and treatment of a severe disorder. Although these findings indicate an important role of optimism on well-being, very little is known about the origins of individual differences in optimism. This book presents research in the study of optimism including the relationship between dispositional optimism and musculoskeletal pain, the phenomenological and statistical relationships between optimism and sense of coherence and self-efficacy and genetic influences on optimism and mental health.

Table of Contents

Preface

Relationship between Dispositional Optimism & Musculoskeletal Pain: An Analysis of the Role of Optimism in Health Related Quality of Life among Health Care Professionals with Musculoskeletal Pain

A Mixed Method Approach to Optimism Research

Genetic Influences on Optimism & its Relationship to Mental Health

Optimism: Its Benefits & Deficits on Individuals' Behaviors

"Is Optimism Good for your Health?" The Role of Optimism in Adolescent Life & Health

Is Legal Responsibility More Important than a Simple Prior Accident in Reducing Unrealistic Optimism in the Area of Driving?

Does Comparative Optimism Result from a Conscious Strategy of Self-Presentation?

Understanding Optimism as an Emotional Response to the Future

Automatic Optimism: The Role of Desire in Judgements about the Likelihood of Future Events

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.