The Role of Optimism in Health-enhancing Behavior

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.