![]() ![]() The studies reviewed differ in many ways, in addition to the type of endpoint that is assessed. The present analysis assessed whether optimism is more strongly related to subjective than objective physical health outcomes. In contrast, harder disease endpoints primarily reflect outcomes that are biological in nature or outcomes that can be objectively determined (such as immune parameters or mortality). They also share important method variance with the manner in which optimism is assessed (i.e., via self-report). As such, these reports are influenced by a host of factors (e.g., memory biases) other than the underlying disease state. Self-reported outcomes are very subjective in nature and rely completely on the respondent as a source of information. For example, softer endpoints would include self-reports of symptoms or a clinical judgment about disease state whereas, a harder endpoint might be mortality. The term “physical health” is quite broad and includes outcomes that reflect disease endpoints that are “softer” or “harder” in nature. One way to distinguish between the effect sizes (ES) of different studies is to take into account the manner in which physical health is assessed. The meta-analysis was used to identify and evaluate potential reasons for these differences. The strength of the association between optimism and health varies across studies. First, we wanted to examine moderators of the relation between optimism and physical health. In addition, the meta-analysis was used to gather information about two other areas of interest. Additionally, Chida and Steptoe focused on only one outcome, mortality whereas, the present review focuses on multiple outcomes.Īs stated, the primary aim of this paper is to assess the extent to which optimism is linked to physical health outcomes (broadly defined). Inasmuch as subanalyses were not conducted on specific predictors, it is difficult to tell whether optimism alone predicts health outcomes. The review by Chida and Steptoe differs from the present review in that they defined positive psychological well-being quite broadly, including variables such as vitality, life satisfaction, and positive affect, in addition to optimism. The second review, by Chida and Steptoe, examined quantitatively the association between positive psychological well-being and mortality. Additionally, their review was qualitative whereas, the present review is quantitative. Thus, the focus of the review by Pressman and Cohen and the present review are distinct. Although positive affect and optimism are related constructs, they are not the same. First, Pressman and Cohen provided a qualitative review of the literature linking positive affect to health. Two other recent reviews are relevant here. The purpose of the present paper is to provide a quantitative, meta-analytic review of the research exploring links between dispositional optimism and physical health. This is an important oversight inasmuch as not all studies report significant associations (e.g., ). Thus, the nature of the association between optimism and physical health has not been explicitly assessed. Īlthough research on optimism and health has flourished, there has been no systematic review, qualitative or quantitative, of this specific literature. For example, research shows that optimistic people, compared to those more pessimistic in outlook, report less pain, better physical functioning, experience fewer physical symptoms, and are less likely to be rehospitalized following coronary artery bypass surgery. Many of these studies have shown optimism to be protective. ![]() Within this larger framework, a number of studies have explored the link between dispositional optimism (the generalized expectation that good things will happen) and physical well-being. Interest in the relationship between personality characteristics and physical health has increased substantially over the past several decades. ![]()
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