A Surprising Study On Optimism

Michigan State University conducted an interesting study on optimism. It is not the first to be carried out on this subject, but it is one of the most complete. It also becomes one of the most surprising for the conclusions it reaches.

Optimism is defined as an attitude by which one tends to value reality in a somewhat distorted way: emphasizing its positive  or favorable aspects . It is then about a particular way of interpreting the facts that sometimes arises naturally, as a result of character, and other times corresponds to a philosophical position in this regard.

This study  on optimism was led by Professor William Chopik and is considered the most comprehensive of its kind. To do this, we started with a sample of 75,000 people, aged between 16 and 101 years. People from the United States, Germany and the Netherlands were examined.

The study on optimism

The optimism study set out to measure the level of optimism and expectations for the future of men and women at different stages of life. Frequent events such as marriage, divorce, a new job, deaths, etc. were also considered to determine how these events influenced positive outlook on life.

Participants with lives in which there were extraordinary, positive or negative events were not examined. The study was kept within the framework of a typical life, with common gains and losses. In other words, “normal” lives passed under acceptable circumstances.

The researchers also wanted to determine whether optimistic outlook changes over the years  or is related in some way to age. Previous studies have shown that people tend to develop more optimism during middle age.

Difficult events

One of the surprising findings of this study on optimism is that tragic  or difficult events do not seem to significantly affect the willingness to see the positives in life. Situations such as death or divorce did not significantly alter this attitude. Most people seem to know to focus on the positive aspects of reality, despite adversity, because this sustains emotional balance.

The director of the study, William Chopik, stressed that people are more resilient in the face of adversity than you think. There is a tendency to believe that tragic events radically change the perspective of those who experience them, but this is not the case. The research showed that even after going through terrible experiences, people still see the future with hope.

Optimism and age

Another of the striking data of the study on optimism is the relationship between this attitude and age. In general, from the age of 16 to about 70, optimism is always on the rise. It is a section of life in which people look to the future with hope and enthusiasm.

Apparently, this has to do with the fact that during this long stage a series of vital events take place that cause illusion in people. There are new loves, new jobs, studies, the conquest of independence, etc. This dynamic influences optimism to increase.

After age 70, you do see a considerable change. Optimism in most people begins to decline gradually after that age. Everything indicates that this is due to the fact that people perceive that most of their life has been left behind and that health conditions are more present.

The importance of optimism

Other studies, cited in this research, suggest that optimism is closely linked to early life experiences. When significant and secure bonds with adults are experienced during childhood, a positive view of reality develops, which lasts throughout life.

There are also data according to which optimism and achievements are realities that feed into each other. This means that optimistic people are more likely to achieve what they set out to do; in turn, these achievements reinforce attitude and hope.