Optimism and Health Essay Example
Optimism and Health Essay Example

Optimism and Health Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (359 words)
  • Published: April 13, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Our psychological well-being has a major impact on our physical health, as optimism plays a crucial role in persistence and anticipation of positive outcomes even during difficult times.

Having a pessimistic attitude leads to stress, which can lead to high blood pressure and anxiety, ultimately impacting our psychological well-being through negative self-talk. This also affects our physical health as we neglect taking care of our bodies. Two peer-reviewed articles highlight the impact optimism has on our physical and psychological well-being. The first, "Do Dispositional Pessimism and Optimism Predict Ambulatory Blood Pressure During Schooldays and Nights in Adolescents?" found that low optimism correlated with anxiety, anger, and depression. Conversely, high optimism predicted better self-rated physical health and fewer doctor visits.

This article presents research findings on the connection between ABP and the impact of optimism and pessimism

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. The Life Orientation Test is commonly used to measure a person's optimistic-pessimistic outlook. According to the study, individuals who scored low on the optimism scale had higher ABP averages. Furthermore, even typically optimistic individuals experienced similarly elevated ABP levels when in a negative mood. High ABP levels can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular complications.

The focus of "Perceived Academic Control" is the impact of optimism and social support on college students' psychological health, with emphasis on their mediating role. The research highlights how college life can be stressful, but a positive outlook can enhance well-being. Coping with stress and depression is aided by factors such as optimism.

Studies show that individuals with higher levels of optimism are less susceptible to stress and depression than those with lower levels, a concept supported by both articles. Although it is widely believed that enhancing one'

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level of optimism can be challenging, my personal experiences and the information I have come across confirm this idea.

From my own experiences, I have learned that maintaining a positive mindset is key to overcoming hardships. Engaging in positive self-talk has proven to be an effective strategy for persevering through challenging situations. Additionally, cultivating a positive outlook has positively impacted my physical health by decreasing stress and promoting healthy cardiovascular function, which includes the maintenance of low blood pressure.

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