Related Experiment Videos
The role of optimism in health-enhancing behavior
1Department of Psychology, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, USA.
Objective:
To examine the relationship between levels of optimism and participation in health-enhancing behaviors.
Methods:
A convenience sample of volunteers obtained from undergraduate psychology classes (N=118) completed self-report measures of optimism and current health habits. They also predicted their use of various health strategies should they be diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
Results:
Analyses revealed a positive association between scores on the measure of optimism and both of the health measures.
Conclusions:
The study extended earlier findings of a positive relationship between optimism and health-enhancing behaviors and demonstrated that this relationship can be observed for general health habits as well as in the context of a specific health threat.
Related Concept Videos
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results from...
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Unrealistic Optimism Bias