![]() ![]() There is ample evidence proving the role of optimism in promoting mental health and wellbeing. Optimism, as Seligman explained, is the cognitive ability to understand the current situation as it is and work to change things in our favor (Buchanan & Seligman, 1995). Martin Seligman derived the explanatory model of optimism from his famous concept of “ learned helplessness.” This approach explains optimism as the way people perceive and interpret events more than their built-in personal traits.Īccording to the explanatory theory of optimism, people who perceive failure or stressful life events as personal shortcomings are pessimists. Optimistic individuals are less likely to engage in denial or avoidance defense mechanisms. A positive outlook helps people to accept themselves unconditionally.Optimism calls for increased resilience and coping strategies.Optimistic individuals are overall healthy – both physically and emotionally.Optimism is directly associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.Optimism is a built-in trait or personality disposition.The basic tenets of the dispositional theory of optimism are (Chang, 2001): The dispositional theory of optimism suggests that optimism leads to positive consequences in life, and pessimism leads to stressful outcomes and increased dissatisfaction (Scheier & Carver 1987, Scheier et al., 2001). Psychologists following this approach highlighted optimism as a crucial aspect of humans’ success in evolution (Segerstrom, 2006).Ĭarver and Scheier (1987) introduced the term “dispositional optimism.” They argued that it is the presence of positive traits that increases the chances of something good happening to us. The dispositional model of optimism was the first wave of research that explored the impact of hopefulness on a better lifestyle and mental health. There are two fundamental models or approaches that explain optimistic personality: the dispositional model and the explanatory model. Research on the dynamics of optimism has fascinated psychologists and mental health workers for a long time. 5 Examples of Using Optimism in Therapy.These science-based exercises will not only enhance your ability to understand and work with your emotions but will also give you the tools to foster the emotional intelligence of your clients, students, or employees. This article highlights some of the best optimism tools and activities that we can use to instill hope and cultivate a positive outlook within ourselves, people we live with, or our clients.īefore you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Emotional Intelligence Exercises for free. Inculcating optimism, no matter how difficult it may seem, is a prime focus of contemporary person-centered psychotherapy. Optimism is essentially a mindset – the way we shape our thoughts and choose to attend to them decides how positively we can address our troubles. On the other hand, A gets emotionally stuck and fails to foresee any good things that might ever happen to them after this.Ĭlearly, in this instance, B is more optimistic than A, even though they are undergoing similar circumstances in life. However, B decides to focus on their career and tries to move on in life. The emotional turmoil has completely shattered both these people equally. ![]() Both of them are undergoing stressful separations from their respective long-term marital relationships. Consider the following example:Ī and B are two individuals of the same age and background. Optimism is all about how we perceive things. It is a personality pattern that displays resilience and personal strength. ![]() The word “optimism” comes from the Latin word optimum, meaning “the best.” In psychology, optimism or dispositional optimism is a set of beliefs and traits that help individuals reflect on the positive aspects of life rather than the negative ones. Optimists have a built-in attitude to be hopeful and consider the possibilities of good things happening in life. A popular metaphor to explain optimism is the concept of ”glass half full.” ![]()
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