GENETIC INFLUENCES ON OPTIMISM AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

Optimism can be defined as positive generalized outcome expectancies and has been shown to act as a protective factor against somatic and mental health problems. Numerous studies report an association between optimism and enhanced coping strategies, lower levels of distress and depression, lower risk of mortality, slower disease progression, and better psychological adjustment to a diagnosis and treatment of a severe disorder. Although these findings indicate an important role of optimism on well-being, very little is known about the origins of individual differences in optimism. Due to its predictive value for well-being, happiness, life-satisfaction, and mental and somatic health, optimism..