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Health risk perception, optimistic bias, and personal satisfaction
Richard Bränström1, Yvonne Brandberg
1Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. richard.branstrom@ki.se
Objectives:
To examine change in risk perception and optimistic bias concerning behavior-linked health threats and environmental health threats between adolescence and young adulthood and how these factors related to personal satisfaction.
Methods:
In 1996 and 2002, 1624 adolescents responded to a mailed questionnaire.
Results:
Adolescents showed strong positive optimistic bias concerning behaviorlinked risks, and this optimistic bias increased with age. Increase in optimistic bias over time predicted increase in personal satisfaction.
Conclusions:
The capacity to process and perceive potential threats in a positive manner might be a valuable human ability positively influencing personal satisfaction and well-being.
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