Researchers have developed a set of scales that enable ranking people along the optimism-pessimism continuum in a fairly accurate manner. An operational definition of optimism and pessimism is anticipation of good or bad things to happen in the future, respectively. Is it possible to study optimism and pessimism in an objective, methodical and scientific manner? Indeed, although optimism and pessimism are uniquely and differentially applied in every individual's life, and despite the broadness of the subject matter, research on optimism is based on empirical and quantitative assessments. Therefore, the optimal equilibrium is a cautious optimism which is firmly grounded in reality. On the other hand, worrying too much about potential dangers and focusing one's energy on what might go wrong leads to avoidance behavior, passivity, exacerbation of low mood and an increase in the vulnerability to depression. not taking the necessary precautions to prevent common health and fires hazards - which may result in a catastrophe. Similarly, over-confidence may lead to negligent and reckless behaviors - e.g. Over-optimism may encourage one to take uncalculated financial risks that will end up disastrously. Successful living requires a fine balance between optimism and pessimism. a stable personality trait, the terms 'optimism' and 'optimist' (as well as 'pessimism' and 'pessimist') will be referred to interchangeably. Consequently, the pessimist tends to remain passive when encountered with a challenge, believing that his efforts are futile anyway.Īs the main theme of this article is optimism and pessimism as experiential phenomena, whether they are expressed briefly as a mood, a temporary state of mind, or as a continual attitude, i.e. Thinking of all the potential dangers and pitfalls on the way, the pessimist is likely to have little hope for the future. The pessimist, on the other hand, observes mainly the negative aspects of everything around.
Optimism bias definition full#
From the optimist's point-of-view the world is full of potential opportunities. An optimistic person sees good things everywhere, is generally confident and hopeful of what the future holds. Some people, more than others, have a consistent tendency to think, feel and behave, regarding most aspects of their lives, in a way that is unbalanced and inclined toward one of the extremes on the optimism-pessimism continuum we call them optimists and pessimists. We all have 'sunnier' days in which we wear the rosy and bright glasses, and 'rainier' days when the world is seen through the gray and dark glasses. People also may shift positions on the optimism-pessimism continuum as the timeline unfolds. expecting his/her marriage/relationship to succeed) but pessimistic regarding other aspects (e.g. A person can be optimistic in regard to a specific area of life (e.g. Optimism and pessimism - expecting a positive or negative future - are distinct modes of thinking that are best conceptualized, not rigidly and dichotomously but rather, as a continuum with many degrees of optimism and pessimism. Conversely, the LH mediation of an active mode and the positive feedback it receives through its motor dexterity breed a sense of confidence in one's ability to manage life's challenges, and optimism about the future. The RH mediation of a watchful and inhibitive mode weaves a sense of insecurity that generates and supports pessimistic thought patterns. This hemispheric asymmetry in mediating optimistic and pessimistic outlooks is rooted in several biological and functional differences between the two hemispheres.
In contrast, a gloomy viewpoint, an inclination to focus on the negative part and exaggerate its significance, low self-esteem as well as a pessimistic view on what the future holds are interlinked with neurophysiological processes in the right-hemisphere (RH). High self-esteem, a cheerful attitude that tends to look at the positive aspects of a given situation, as well as an optimistic belief in a bright future are associated with physiological activity in the left-hemisphere (LH). A review and synthesis of the literature on the neurophysiology subserving these two worldviews suggests that optimism and pessimism are differentially associated with the two cerebral hemispheres.
Undue pessimism makes life miserable however, excessive optimism can lead to dangerously risky behaviors. Our survival and wellness require a balance between optimism and pessimism.
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