Why optimists die earlier

We live in a society where optimism is elevated to the absolute and is the only correct pattern of behavior and outlook. Smile, look at life more fun, about anything, do not worry, all is well, it gives herself credit unnoticed. They say that the optimism inherent companions who are laughing and smiling, even prolong life. That's just science again makes its own adjustments to the common assumption, and this time should reflect those who look at life positively too. Statistically these people die sooner. :)

We all live in a world of optimists. Try search Layfhakere something about pessimism, but the issue will show you a bunch of text about how good and healthy to be optimistic. The positive psychology prevailing view that the optimism of life improves both physical and mental health. The results of such beliefs - thousands of books, training, and procedures to follow that you should definitely look at things positively, and then everything will be fine.

However, Julie Norem, a psychology professor at Wellesley College, gives an example, when the desire to be optimistic could harm the common cause:

Given that we live in a culture of optimism among at work, for example, you do not want to appear in the eyes of colleagues, a permanent pessimist. But this same trait required if necessary to make an informed group decision.

Optimism and pessimism are some more detailed definitions.

Dispositional optimism and pessimism - it is property of the person to expect something good or bad in the future, a vision of life in general (remember the example of a glass, which for someone half full, but for someone half is empty).

Explanatory optimism and pessimism - this is how people explain bad things that happen to them (often pessimists blame themselves and optimists tend to blame factors sided).

In addition, there Valuable (protective) pessimism - a strategy, through which often learn to control your anxiety and stress. The bottom line comes down to the fact that people expect the worst of scenarios, thereby taking preventive measures to avoid these scenarios. In contrast, there is a useful pessimism strategic optimism: When confronted with the provoking stress, panic or alarm event a person is distracted rather than dwell on the negative event.

Each of the character traits has its pros and cons, but most people assume that the dispositional and explanatory optimism leads to good health and safety strategy of pessimism and optimism give good results in their studies. Experts also believe that there is no direct relationship, and it all depends on the person and events.

The study, published last year in the journal Psychology and Aging, suggests that adults with a pessimistic views on the future statistically live longer and their health is objectively better than those who dwell in the world of pink unicorns. The starting material for the analysis of data from a national survey conducted in Germany and covering about 11 thousand people were taken.

Among other issues involved in the study were asked to describe how they are satisfied with their lives and how strong it will be satisfied within the next five years.

Among respondents aged over 65 years (about 1300 people) in terms of physicians likely to survive and to maintain the current level of health was 10% higher than the pessimists. This confirms Frieder Lang, professor of psychology and gerontology at the University of Erlangen - Nuremberg. The secret is very simple:

People with a pessimistic view of the future is more likely to invest in prevention and training to poor, while optimists do not even think about such things.

Similar results obtained by Leslie Martin, co-author of The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study. Then, the study observed 1528 people, with the observation was eight decades. The result is as follows:

Subjects identified in childhood as the most optimistic among the first to die. They are more and more risk, including in terms of addictions (alcohol, smoking), and even as a hobby, they chose a more hazardous occupation.

These results are completely contrary to the conventional wisdom on the nature of man and his life. Many experts agree that this discrepancy is due to ignoring the factor of circumstances.

If you are pessimistic in one, it is quite possible, you will be optimistic in something else.

We are talking about all kinds of emergencies. Study Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, in which participated 250 couples revealed the fact that the more optimistic people perform worse with stress.

Other scientific publication called Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences studied the brain function of 16 adult men when they were shown pictures of scary faces. It was found that optimists are less scared.

While in certain situations it may help to take a cold and informed decision, but it also can play against a man, leaving him less than originally prepared for the impending threat or danger.

At the same time the absolute pessimists talking yourself something like, "I still do not sell it examination ", - himself into depression and do not invest enough in training forces, which ultimately leads to failure.

Extremes rarely went to someone's favor. Optimism and pessimism are not exceptions. Dilip GEST, a professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of California, said:

Someone should be more optimistic than pessimistic, but in any case not 100% optimistic. I do not know the point of perfect balance, but it may be something in the region of 70/30.

Erin O'Mara, associate professor of psychology at the University of Dayton, said that One of the most useful qualities of pessimism - the ability to accurately determine for themselves what is happening in the lives of the most important.

However, it is reasonable share of pessimism helps in business. Lisa Estor, vice-president of an advertising company located in Boston, said: "Preparing for the worst - that's my motto in life." Before you take on a new client, it scrolls in the head all, even the worst, scenario.

In any important situation, I think over all the "what if."

While friends and make fun of her, but at the same time appreciate its preparedness in any situation. Even if she was going to the beach, then in her bag are things in the event of any emergency.