The effects of minor events, optimism and self-esteem on health

Recent research shows upper respiratory infections (URIs) are influenced by minor daily events, especially those that are desirable and interpersonal in nature. The present study used a longer time frame, broader health measures and a between-subjects design to examine this effect. It also predicted that optimism and self-esteem would interact with minor events to affect health. One hundred and fifty participants provided information regarding minor events, disposition and physical health on two separate occasions. Results show that increases in both desirable and undesirable events (hassles and uplifts) affected URIs over a two-week period. Interpersonal hassles interacted with optimism, having a greater impact on physical symptoms for optimists than for pessimists. Self-esteem did not interact with minor events to affect health. These results extend previous findings to show that minor events affect URIs and not other health outcomes, and that this effect is apparent between subjects over a number of days. Further, the influence of interpersonal events on health appears to be moderated by optimism. It is concluded that consideration and integration of findings from studies with different methodologies will be beneficial in furthering our understanding of minor event effects on health.