Are Optimists Healthier and Happier?
The Role of Optimistic Disposition in Graduate Students’ Healthy Functioning
Elif Merve Cankaya & Jeffrey Liew
Introduction
Optimism is a personality variable linked to positive expectations that individuals
hold for their life (Carver, Scheier, & Segerstrom, 2010). Prior research reveal the
contribution of optimism for favorable health outcomes and greater well-being and
furnished evidence that optimists differ from pessimists in coping with and
responding to health threats (e.g., Carver et al., 2010; Rasmussen, Scheier, &
Greenhouse, 2009; Scheier & Carver, 1992). A large number of research studies also
demonstrated that social and financial resources promote good health outcomes and
play a protective role in students’ functioning.
Study Purpose & Research Question
This research study assessed whether optimism provide additional prediction on
students’ healthy functioning above and beyond those provided by social and
financial supports. The following research question was answered:
Does optimism provided unique prediction to graduate students’ physical health and
well-being above and beyond financial and social support?
53% (n = 93) males, 47% (n = 84) females
43% (n = 76) master students, 57% (n = 101)
doctoral students. 53% (n = 93) males, 47% (n =
84) females
Methodology
43%
(n
=
76)
master
students,
57%
(n
=
101)
1. Participants: Participants of this study were 358 graduate students at Texas A&M
University.
age47%
ranged from
62 (Mfemales
= 27.97 SD = 6.88).
53%
(n =Study
93)participants’
males,
(n 18= to84)
2. Instruments:
2.1. Demographic Information Questionnaire consisted of several questions to gather
information about participants’ demographics.
2.2. Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R) is a 10-item self-reported inventory that
measures trait optimism (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994).
2.3. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is a 12-item
inventory that assess perceived social support from family, friends, and significant
others (Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, & Farley, 1988).
2.4. Financial Satisfaction is assessed by asking students “How supported do you feel
in paying your graduate school expenses?” and they marked their responses on a 3point scale.
2.5. Cohen-Hoberman Inventory of Physical Symptoms (CHIPS) is composed of 33
commonly experienced physical symptoms (Cohen & Hoberman, 1983).
2.6. Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a 5-item assessment of global cognitive
perception with satisfaction in life (Diener, Emmos, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985).
2.7. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a 10-item instrument for measuring the level of
stress in one’s life (Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983).
3. Procedures: Data was collected using an online survey. With the assistance of the
TAMU Information Technology, graduate students at Texas A&M University-College
Station campus were informed and invited to participate in this study via an email.
43% (n = 76) master students, 57% (n = 101)
doctoral students.
3% (n = 76) master students, 57% (n = 101)
doctoral students.
Analyses & Results
First, partial correlation coefficients were
computed to determine whether there were
significant associations between the predictor
and dependent variables, while controlling
for demographic variables (see Table 1).
Based on the results of the hierarchical multiple regressions analyses performed in
three steps, optimism significantly predicted subjective well-being, F(8, 349) =
38.791, p < .001 and physical health, F(4, 353) = 15.309, p < .001 above and beyond
social and financial support as well as control variables.
Discussion & Conclusion
Individuals with greater optimistic disposition report fewer physical health problems and
experience greater satisfaction with life.
 Optimists believe the future will be bright for both internal and external factors
(Alarcon, Bowling, & Khazon, 2013; Gallagher & Lopez, 2009).
 Health-related stressors are somewhat controllable (Solberg-Nes & Segerstrom, 2006).
 Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources Theory can be evoked to explain how optimism
predicts better health (Alarcon et al., 2013; Hobfoll, 1989; Segerstrom, 2007).
Limitations and Directions for Future Work:
o Data is cross-sectional. Future studies with longitudinal designs needed to determine
the mechanism.
o Instruments were self-reports in nature. Future work with objective reports and more
reliable markers for accurately quantifying constructs.
o Shortcomings with regard to data collection. Future research need to reduce the
potential risks of inaccuracy and biased that might be associated with responses.
Reference
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