Overview: A recent study investigated the impact of optimism and pessimism on individual well-being and behavior amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzing comprehensive data from older adults discovered that optimism correlates with reduced stress and enhanced resilience, while lower pessimism is linked to adopting safer health practices.

Individuals with an optimistic outlook expressed less worry, experienced lower feelings of loneliness, and participated more in physical activities, all of which contributed to improved mental health. Notably, the study revealed that avoiding pessimistic thoughts—rather than merely fostering optimism—was critical for engaging in health-conscious behaviors during the pandemic.

People who tended to be less pessimistic were more inclined to stay indoors and refrain from high-risk activities. These insights indicate that cultivating a positive mindset and minimizing pessimism could significantly aid individuals in managing long-term stressors.

Key Insights:

• The Role of Optimism: Optimistic individuals exhibited reduced stress levels, greater resilience, and increased physical activity.
• Pessimism’s Influence on Behavior: Lower pessimism correlated with a higher likelihood of avoiding risky behaviors, including unnecessary travel.
• Effective Coping Strategies: Behavioral shifts—like exercising at home or utilizing virtual connections—promoted improved well-being.

Source: Syracuse University

Do you view the glass as half empty or half full?

Reflecting on the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were likely burdened by feelings of pessimism, resulting from factors like social distancing, health threats, and economic instability. A team of researchers from Syracuse University and Michigan State University sought to understand how personal characteristics play a role in coping with enduring stressors, such as those posed by the pandemic.

Under the guidance of Jeewon Oh, an assistant professor of psychology at Syracuse University, the research team examined the effects of optimism and pessimism on well-being. They analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study, a large-scale project collecting information from Americans aged 50 and older (Sonnega et al., 2014).

In 2016, participants provided insights into their optimism levels with statements like “In uncertain times, I usually expect the best,” while assessing their pessimism with reflections such as “I hardly ever expect things to go my way.” During the COVID-19 pandemic (between March and May 2020), the respondents reported on their health-related actions, including frequency of mask-wearing, travel behaviors, and the likelihood of remaining at home.

This data allowed researchers to explore how mindset influences both psychological and physical well-being in challenging periods.

The findings indicated that greater optimism supports resilience and improved well-being in the face of stressors like the pandemic, whereas lower pessimism enhances adherence to health-sustaining behaviors.

These conclusions were published in the Journal of Research in Personality.

Q&A with Professor Jeewon Oh:

What motivated this study?

Jeewon Oh (JO): The pandemic brought numerous changes, prompting us to explore which personality traits can assist individuals in coping with enduring and uncontrollable stressors.

What benefits did more optimistic individuals experience? How did optimism or pessimism relate to well-being during the pandemic?

(JO): Both optimism and pessimism showed independent links to psychological well-being. Those who exhibited higher optimism and lower pessimism tended to worry less, experience reduced stress, and feel less lonely, which contributed to greater resilience. This connection came partly from increased physical activity and enhanced feelings of social support.

Interestingly, concerning health-related behaviors, pessimism had a more pronounced impact compared to optimism. Individuals who maintained a less pessimistic viewpoint engaged in safer behaviors, such as staying at home and participating in activities like gardening or meditating.

How do optimism and pessimism affect problem-solving during challenges?

(JO): Typically, optimism and pessimism center around recognizing reality while maintaining hope that things will ultimately improve. This hopeful perspective fosters problem-solving and resilience in adversity, motivating individuals to take action instead of succumbing to despair.

Can one enhance their optimism during stressful times like a pandemic?

(JO): It may be more beneficial to emulate the behaviors of optimists rather than trying to shift your mindset outright. Those who were less pessimistic mentioned adapting by connecting through Zoom and exercising at home. These behavior changes contributed significantly to their well-being.

What do these findings suggest about health and psychological well-being in a post-pandemic context? What should we focus on to sustain and improve mental health?

(JO): Prior to the pandemic, evidence showed that optimistic individuals generally thrive in various situations. Our findings indicate that even during challenging circumstances, those with an optimistic outlook tend to fare better. Consequently, cultivating optimism and developing flexible coping strategies can be instrumental in maintaining and enhancing mental health across different situations.

About this Psychology Research News

Author: Daniel Bernardi
Source: Syracuse University
Contact: Daniel Bernardi – Syracuse University
Image: Credit goes to Neuroscience News

Original Research: Open access.
“Optimism and Pessimism: Prospective Associations with Adaptation during the COVID-19 Pandemic” by Jeewon Oh et al. Journal of Research in Personality

Abstract:

Exploration of Optimism and Pessimism in Adaptation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This longitudinal study utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study to investigate the relationship between optimism/pessimism prior to the pandemic and subsequent adaptation during COVID-19.

The data revealed that optimism correlated with behaviors associated with lower COVID-19 transmission risk and enhanced psychological well-being (βs>|.196|) via alterations in social interactions (indirect effect βs>|.004|) and increased physical activity (βs=|.01|).

While separating optimism from pessimism indicated that only pessimism related to risk-reduction behaviors, both traits were integral to psychological well-being.

This study highlights the importance of fostering optimism while minimizing pessimism as valuable assets for well-being during public health challenges.