Optimism: Theory and Applicability for Health

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20435/pssa.v0i0.898

Keywords:

optimism, theory, psychology

Abstract

Studies have shown that optimists have better performance in health promotion, higher quality of life, and better rates of physical and mental health. Therefore, this work aimed at presenting the conceptual aspects, the main measures used to assess optimism, and the sources of research concerning optimism, through a theoretical study. Initially, we delimited the concept of optimism, theory, and its main types. Next, we included the evidence of the relationship of optimism with health, coping, and well-being, characterizing its impact on people’s health. Finally, we added work related to the maintenance or increase of levels of optimism and results. In general, optimism has been shown to positively influence psychological adjustment in different contexts. In the end, new studies were revealed based on the gaps detected in the national production on the subject.

Author Biographies

Laís Santos, Universidade Federal de Sergipe

Mestre em Psicologia Social e graduada em Psicologia pela Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). Doutoranda em Psicologia pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas. Bolsista CAPES. 

André Faro, Universidade Federal de Sergipe

Pós-doutor em Saúde Pública e Saúde Mental pela Johns Hopkins University (JHU, Bloomberg School of Public Health). Doutor em Psicologia pela Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). Docente dos cursos de Graduação e Pós-Graduação em Psicologia da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS) e pesquisador em produtividade do CNPq (Nível 2).

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Published

2019-06-07

How to Cite

Santos, L., & Faro, A. (2019). Optimism: Theory and Applicability for Health. Revista Psicologia E Saúde. https://doi.org/10.20435/pssa.v0i0.898

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