Optimism and Pessimism

OPTIMISM

hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something

PESSIMISM

a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a lack of hope or confidence in the future

Learned Helplessness

An expectation of future helplessness.

Learned Optimism

The concept that people can learn to be optimistic.

Pessimistic Internal Explanatory style

The problem is with ME – not with external factors.

Pessimistic stable Explanatory style

Stable causes are permanent and unlikely to change.

Pessimistic Global scope Explanatory Style

Every aspect of life is affected

Optimistic Specific scope Explanatory Style

only a finite portion of a person’s life is affected.

Optimistic Unstable Explanatory Style

causes are temporary and likely to change in the future.

Optimistic External Explanatory Style

life events stem from the external circumstances rather than from individual character traits and actions

Benefits of Optimism

Experience less anxiety in adjusting to new life tasks

Better quality relationships

More likely to confront obstacles that stand in the way of goals in an active, direct manner.

Persist longer due to belief in eventual success.

consequences of optimism

Less likely to think through possible outcomes or to prepare for potential issues.

More likely to engage in risky behavior.

Processing poor performance…poorly

Benefits of Pessimism

Helps process poor performances in a way that helps you learn and improve.

Better prepares you for challenges and stressors.

It can help decrease levels of anxiety.

It can improve performance.

Promotion goals

Promotes positive view of self AND feelings of mastery and competence.

Great when seeking to make large leaps.

Prevention goals

Mastery and competence only.

Aligns with security or loss avoidance.

Realistic Optimism

The ability to maintain a positive outlook without denying reality, actively appreciating the positive aspects of a situation without ignoring the negative aspects

ABCD

Adversity

Belief

Consequence

Disputation

MELIORISM

The belief that the world can be made better by human effort.

Extreme Optimism

• Underestimate risk of health problems

• Less likely to quit smoking

• More likely to contract STDs

- and less likely to go for treatment

- Less resistant to stress

- Lower college GPA

How can you cultivate (realistic) optimism?

• Get a reality correction

1. Feedback, criticism, friendship, mentorship

• Journaling

• Savoring achievements

• Explanatory style

• Therapy (CBT)

1. Cognitive restructuring

• Mental contrasting