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On the Power of Positive Thinking: The Benefits of Being Optimistic
... Glow refers to climate upstanders' hope and optimism, a desire for and anticipation of a positive outcome (Carver, Scheier, & Segerstrom, 2010). Scholars have found that being optimistic enhances well-being (e.g., Bublitz, Escalas, et al., 2024;Scheier & Carver, 1993), increases the likelihood that one will achieve their goals (e.g., Forgeard & Seligman, 2012), helps people better cope with stress (e.g., Scheier & Carver, 1993), and makes people more confident and persistent (Carver et al., 2010). According to Marcy Franck, senior communication strategist at Harvard's Center for Climate, Health, and Global Environment (2022), "Being optimistic and having hope … is a practice where you re-center, focus on things that are going right, and focus on the solutions that are already taking hold. ...
... Glow refers to climate upstanders' hope and optimism, a desire for and anticipation of a positive outcome (Carver, Scheier, & Segerstrom, 2010). Scholars have found that being optimistic enhances well-being (e.g., Bublitz, Escalas, et al., 2024;Scheier & Carver, 1993), increases the likelihood that one will achieve their goals (e.g., Forgeard & Seligman, 2012), helps people better cope with stress (e.g., Scheier & Carver, 1993), and makes people more confident and persistent (Carver et al., 2010). According to Marcy Franck, senior communication strategist at Harvard's Center for Climate, Health, and Global Environment (2022), "Being optimistic and having hope … is a practice where you re-center, focus on things that are going right, and focus on the solutions that are already taking hold. ...
... Kotler (2011, p. 133) wrote that the climate crisis would elevate consumers to become "the ultimate power brokers." In keeping with Kotler included the impactful study of brand communities wherein consumers coalesce around the consumption of products or experiences (Muniz & O'Guinn, 2001;Schouten & McAlexander, 1995). In our research, we underscore the uniqueness of consumer collectives-groups of people who join together based on a shared commitment to a set of values or goals (e.g., Weijoet al., 2018). ...
Our research develops a framework that explores how to fuel the climate movement by accelerating grassroots, community‐based climate action. Drawing on insights from consumer psychology, our framework identifies the psychological mechanisms that encourage and motivate people, both individually and collectively, to take climate action, thereby contributing to our understanding of how to advance social action and propel a social movement. Our climate action framework builds on: (1) individuals we describe as climate upstanders who rise up to take climate action with like‐minded others, and (2) communities of climate upstanders who engage in collective action aimed at addressing the climate crisis. Our framework expands the field of consumer psychology by redefining the role of consumers to include the practice of social action and broadening the study of consumers to include collective, community‐based action. We call on consumer psychologists to research individual and collective consumer practices related to social action and contribute to making social good central to the study of consumer psychology.
... Zudem können positive Aktivitäten benutzt werden, um das eigene Wohlbefinden zu verbessern und negatives Grübeln zu unterbrechen (Layous, Chancellor & Lyubomirsky, 2014). Dazu zählt auch eine optimistische Haltung gegenüber der Zukunft sowie die Bemühung positiv und optimistisch zu denken (Scheier & Carver, 1993 (Scheier & Carver, 1993;Garland, Gaylord & Park, 2009). Von automatischer negativer Verarbeitung wird so durch die Achtsamkeit hinweggeleitet und eine bewusste Prozessierung ermöglicht (Kang, et al. 2013;Vago & Silbersweig, 2012;Niemiec et al. 2010;Arch & Craske, 2006 Garland und Kollegen (2015). ...
... Zudem können positive Aktivitäten benutzt werden, um das eigene Wohlbefinden zu verbessern und negatives Grübeln zu unterbrechen (Layous, Chancellor & Lyubomirsky, 2014). Dazu zählt auch eine optimistische Haltung gegenüber der Zukunft sowie die Bemühung positiv und optimistisch zu denken (Scheier & Carver, 1993 (Scheier & Carver, 1993;Garland, Gaylord & Park, 2009). Von automatischer negativer Verarbeitung wird so durch die Achtsamkeit hinweggeleitet und eine bewusste Prozessierung ermöglicht (Kang, et al. 2013;Vago & Silbersweig, 2012;Niemiec et al. 2010;Arch & Craske, 2006 Garland und Kollegen (2015). ...
... Die mindfulness to meaning Theorie von Garland und Kollegen (2015) berücksichtigt nicht explizit, dass eine Gewichtung der Metakognition bei der Ausrichtung nach anderen Elementen und Themen wie im Sinne von Jhana 2 geschieht (Layous, Chancellor & Lyubomirsky, 2014;Scheier & Carver, 1993;Jennings & Jennings, 2013 ...
The thesis standardizes the Jhanas, which are an hard understood conception that have less accessibility into science. As well mindfulness is standardized over all the different definitions that are a scientific „chaos“ under the assumption of its metacognitive usage. The YH system is used to do so, while using the verses BD, DoC, M and supmor. Standing for basic dynamics, decision of change, meta and supra morals.
... However, in particular circumstances, they can increase the risk of revictimization in the context of domestic abuse [88,99,[109][110][111]. Regarding optimism, defined as a view of a future abundant with good things [112], data on its impact are mixed. A recent review [99] indicated that optimism could distort personal risk assessment and actually be unhelpful [113]. ...
... Another possible interpretation relates to the potential downside of positivity. Some research indicates that optimism can be a cognitive bias [141], which leads to underestimating the harmful effects of violence and reduces their inclination to take protective actions [112][113][114]. In light of this, supplementary analyses were conducted to explore the reverse relationship between positivity and psychological violence. ...
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex and pervasive global phenomenon. Despite extensive research on physical and sexual violence, there has been a relative lack of investigation into the detrimental and distinctive consequences of psychological violence against women. This is surprising given the profound impact it has on the psychological well-being of victims, notably in the form of depression, which is commonly observed as an outcome in cases of psychological IPV victimization. The present study analyzes the impact of psychological IPV on depressive symptoms, considering the moderating influence of personal positivity, defined as positive self-perceptions, optimistic life perspectives, and a hopeful view of the future in a sample of 171 Italian women seeking assistance from anti-violence centers in different localities of Italy. The findings show that in line with the hypothesis, the association between psychological violence and depressive symptoms is moderated by the levels of perceived positivity, even when controlling for instances of physical violence. These results and implications for interventions are discussed within the framework of existing literature on positive psychology and psychological well-being in the context of IPV.
... Passive optimism is described as the lack of action or help-seeking while maintaining a positive outlook (Sloper & Turner, 1992). Carver and Scheier (1993) highlight that passive optimists believe they can wait for positive things to happen without trying. In contrast, active optimists confront challenges with effort (Carver & Scheier, 1993). ...
... Carver and Scheier (1993) highlight that passive optimists believe they can wait for positive things to happen without trying. In contrast, active optimists confront challenges with effort (Carver & Scheier, 1993). Thus, optimists who engage in active coping are more likely to have fewer unmet service needs as they actively seek services (Lopez, Reed, & Magaña, 2019). ...
As the largest Muslim population globally, Indonesia needs mental health serv-
ices to support its religious society. The role of religion and spirituality in clinical practice
has been studied extensively in the last few decades, with significant research results indi-
cating substantial progress in integrating spirituality and religion into clinical practice.
Furthermore, this study aimed to illustrate how psychotherapy, in this case, Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helps Muslims who seek treatment to deal with depression.
Implementing the Islamic cognitive restructuring method is one way to ensure ethical and
effective treatments for Muslim clients. By developing Islamic perspective psychotherapy,
integration of Islamic belief in practicing CBT for Muslim clients can be done. This research
uses the small-N experimental design and generated results providing arguments that
Islamic-CBT could help patients with depression to heal. Continued clinical replication
series is needed to improve broader claims about the effectiveness of the treatment tested.
... Stated differently, those who lack a sense of optimism may feel that certain behaviors are ineffective in controlling the threat. The relationship between optimism and perceived control may be one reason that optimism is linked with increased engagement in problem-focused, rather than avoidance-based, strategies (e.g., Scheier & Carver, 1993). ...
... In particular, whether MS produces health facilitating or defeating outcomes depends on one's level of health optimism that can provide a sense of fortitude to manage health-related threats. Our findings are therefore consistent with the proposition that optimism is linked with better health outcomes because it increases problem-focused coping (e.g., Scheier & Carver, 1993). For example, those with low health optimism displayed an increased sense of vulnerability and fear, as well as a decreased perceived ability to cope with the COVID-19 disease after MS. ...
Health preventative measures are important in reducing transmission of COVID‐19, yet death‐related thoughts might hinder preventative action. Using two online samples (N = 948), we examined how mortality salience (MS) may produce health‐related proximal and distal defenses relevant to COVID‐19, examining health optimism and appearance self‐worth as moderators. MS decreased perceived vulnerability as a proximal defense for those with high health optimism (Study 1), while those with low health optimism decreased perceived response efficacy of face masks and intention to wear a protective face mask (Study 2). Additionally, those with high appearance self‐worth displayed increased intention to wear an aesthetically appealing face mask as a distal defense to MS (Study 2). Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering how mortality concerns may channel health‐defeating and health‐promoting behaviors in respect to COVID‐19 and provide insight into how to produce sustained engagement in health preventative action to combat the pandemic.
... Positivity has been defined by Caprara et al. (2012) as a general self-evaluative disposition underlying people's judgments about themselves (i.e., self-esteem; the evaluation of being a person worthy of value; Rosenberg, 2015), their past (i.e., life satisfaction; the positive evaluation about one's life; Diener et al., 1985), and their future (i.e., optimism; the positive expectations about one's future; Scheier & Carver, 1993). Similar to the dispositional nature of the big five traits, the trait-like properties of positivity have been ascertained both by genetic studies (more than 50% of the variability of positivity was due to heritability factors; Fagnani et al., 2014) and longitudinal findings showing its strong absolute and relative stability over time . ...
Background
COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rise in psychological problems. However, little is known about the role of positivity and personality traits in facing the pandemic. Therefore, we aimed at investigating whether higher positivity was associated with a better emotional, behavioural and cognitive response to COVID-19, taking into account the role of the big five traits.
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional multiple waves study with 5,002 participants representative of the Italian general population (May 2021 and March 2022). The Ten Item Personality Inventory was used for the evaluation of the big five traits, while the Positivity Scale for the assessment of positivity. Statistical analyses included linear regression models and Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
Results
The main predictors of Preventive behaviours of COVID-19 were Conscientiousness (β=0.100, p<0.001) and Agreeableness (β=0.117, p<0.001), while the main predictor in explaining self-efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection was Positivity (β=0.141, p<0.001). Neuroticism (β=-0.186, p<0.001) and Positivity (β=0.094, p<0.001) predicted the Affective response related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discussion
Positivity has a protective role in buffering the negative effects of the pandemic on people’s affective response, as well as supporting stronger self-efficacy and confidence about the usefulness of the vaccine, and higher preventive behaviours, over and above personality traits. The results of the sensitivity analysis using the first two components of the big five traits Communion and Agency confirmed the results of the linear regressions of the big five traits: communion is the main predictor of Preventive behaviours of COVID-19, while self-efficacy of preventing COVID-19 infection.
Discussion
Positivity has a protective role in buffering the negative effects of the pandemic on people’s affective response, as well as supporting stronger self-efficacy and confidence about the usefulness of the vaccine, and higher preventive behaviours, over and above personality traits.
... For example, perhaps being too high in dispositional optimism, as measured by the LOT or LOT-R, will lead one to simply expect good outcomes to occur without actually doing what needs to be done to bring those good outcomes about. Scheier and Carver (1993) themselves raise this concern. However, they observe that there is no evidence that being high in optimism thwarts motivation. ...
p>Human beings are ambitious and goal-oriented creatures. Many, for example, aim at stable and fulfilling careers, good health, and happy families. Some also pursue broader aims, such as social justice, technological progress, or scientific discovery. But with such ambition comes adversity. When our central aims come under threat, as they inevitably do, we often find ourselves pessimistic or fearful. Despair might threaten to take hold. It is thus tempting to look to hope and optimism as ways of withstanding, or even smothering, these negative emotions. But should we? This review is a detailed examination of the nature and value of hope and optimism.
By and large, American society affirms the value of hope and optimism. A brief glance at your local bookstore’s self-help section is sure to display such bestsellers as Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking and Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Live an Awesome Life. In similar fashion, politicians seeking votes regularly promise us hope. Here we are reminded of Barack Obama’s well-known HOPE t-shirts and George W. Bush’s slogan, “A safer world and a more hopeful America” (Stitzlein 2019a, p. 5). But are hope and optimism really all they’re cracked up to be?
There are growing doubts about the value of positive thinking. Speaking about the threat of climate change, Greta Thunberg remarks, “Adults keep saying, ‘we owe it to young people to give them hope.’ But I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic” (2019, p. 22). In a memorable exchange between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates on the problem of political polarization, Coates asked, “I wonder how much hope you hold out for curing those institutional ills, those deepseated ills, in a way that we would all find peaceable.” Klein responded, “I’m not here to give you hope.” Coates then replied, “Good, because I don’t want it” (Klein, 18 Feb. 2020).
In these remarks, Thunberg, Coates, and Klein are speaking of hope rather than optimism. This is important because they are distinct phenomena. One of the key tasks of this review will be to pry apart these two forms of positive thinking. Central to the distinction is that while optimism implies confidence in a successful outcome, hope does not. There is thus a possibility of “hoping against hope” even when optimism is lost. Because hope and optimism are distinct, their respective advantages and disadvantages are best explored separately. Here I begin with optimism and move subsequently to hope. It can likewise be misleading to talk about whether hope and optimism are good “on the whole.” Such abstract pronouncements obscure the differing roles that hope and optimism play in distinct aspects of our lives. Consequently, this review focuses on the functions of hope and optimism in different domains, including, for instance, healthcare, education, and politics.
The primary subject of this review is the Hope and Optimism Initiative, a $4.5 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation led by researchers at Notre Dame, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania. This grant also supported numerous sub-projects for scholars working around the world. </p
... If physical health declines are a reality of increasing age and cause worry and other negative emotions, positive thinking and attitude were considered a resource to help counter their ill effects. Indeed, positive thinking has been found to confer several psychological and physical health benefits (Scheier & Carver, 1993)-it has been linked to longevity (Lee et al., 2019) and positive mental health outcomes such as life satisfaction and happiness, among others (Wong, 2012). ...
India is aging. The growth of India's older population has increased our concerns about their well-being. While it is critical to explore the diverse needs and aging experience of older Indians, their voices are largely missing in the aging literature. In this context, data was collected from 63 community-dwelling and OAH residing older men and women of Delhi NCR to understand their aging experience, views about old age and perceived need for government intervention in old age care and support. Reflexive thematic analysis of their aging experience and perception of old age generated five themes and six sub-themes: The aging body encompassing three sub-themes "the older we become the more diseases we have", "the ointment called positive thinking", "women's quest for self-care"; Psychological gains and social losses; Affiliation, distraction and anticipation; The aging parent and the adult child comprising three sub-themes "filial relations quality and quantity", "children these days and their mobile phones", "our daughter shows us more love and care"; and A time for religious and spiritual devotion. Lastly, the analysis of their perceived need for government support in old age care generated five sub-themes-Political cynicism, I was a private employee but am I not a part of this country? Government or Private Hospitals: A no-win situation , Everyday life and Reforms in OAHs. The present findings highlight the multidimensional and multidirectional experience of aging and the diverse needs of older persons in the Indian context.
... Optimists predict that good things will happen to them, are more psychologically and physically healthy, and use more active coping strategies as compared with pessimists (Norem & Cantor, 1986;Scheier & Carver, 1992. However, Scheier and Carver (1993) hypothesized that excessive optimism may be maladaptive in situations that are uncontrollable. Supporting this hypothesis, active coping and expectations of testing negative suggested less favorable adjustment among persons tested for Huntington's disease Huggins et al., 1992). ...
In the present study the authors assessed predictors of adjustment to genetic testing for Huntington’s disease. Fifty-two genetically positive and 108 genetically negative persons were studied for 1 year following testing. Adjustment, defined by hopelessness and depressive symptoms, was measured at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after disclosure and was within normal limits for both groups. Those less well adjusted had tested positive, were married, had no children, or were closer to their estimated ages of onset. The study delineated risk factors for psychological distress that should be considered by people contemplating testing for Huntington’s disease.
... It is also related to having optimistic, positive expectations about the future and holding positive views of self, others, the future, and life [33,34]. Some researchers identify positivity with positive thinking, indicating that it is at the core of individuals' confidence in their future [35], while others describe it as a tendency to evaluate aspects of life in general as good [36]. ...
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have been trying to identify which personal resources can contribute to minimizing the mental health costs in students incurred due to the restrictions that disrupted safety and predictability in their academic lives. The aim of the study was to verify if and how individual factors (resilience and positivity) and socio-environmental factors (social support and nationality) allow prediction of the level of perceived stress. University students (n = 559) from Poland, Serbia, and Italy were surveyed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Positivity Scale (PS), and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12). Personal resources—positivity, resilience, and support—were found to be positively interrelated and significantly associated with stress levels. Additionally, gender and nationality differentiated stress levels. A general linear model (GLM) showed that levels of perceived stress are best explained by resilience, positivity, tangible support, and gender. The results obtained can strengthen students’ awareness of personal resources and their protective role in maintaining mental health, as well as contribute to the creation of prevention-oriented educational activities. Nationality was not a significant predictor of the level of perceived stress, which highlights the universality of examined predictors among university students from different countries and suggests that interventions aimed at enhancing these resources could benefit students across different cultural contexts
... Higher SWB people are optimistic, socially confident, regularly delighted, adaptive and have healthy coping in adversity, seek support, and focus on attainable, realistic goals (Emmons 1986;Cunningham 1988). In addition, a healthy lifestyle, an optimistic outlook towards the future, participation in charity, a sense of fulfilment, and the support of family and friends all contribute to a higher SWB (Scheier and Carver 1993). Conversely, a person with a low SWB, might have unrealistic objectives, be alienated and depressed, lack trust, be intolerant, and frequently feel negative emotions. ...
Philosophies of contentment, peace and happiness underpin Indian culture. However, the low ranking of India in the World Happiness Report is a matter of concern. The objective of the study was to explore the determinants of subjective wellbeing (SWB) in India. We used data from 5 waves of world value surveys consisting of 11 Indian states in the post liberalized era (1990–2014). The dependent variables were happiness and life satisfaction. In addition, several socio-economic variables were also adopted to assess their impacts on SWB. The estimated results from the heteroscedastic ordered probit model showed that there is a significant impact of demographic and socio-economic variables on the happiness and life satisfaction of Indians. Factors such as high-income levels, financial satisfaction, freedom of choice and life control showed a positive impact on both happiness and life satisfaction of individuals. Moreover, belief in religion, family, friends, trust of most people and a meaningful life were also positively associated with happiness of Indians. Furthermore, male, elderly and unhealthy people were more unhappy and dissatisfied with their life. This study contributes to the literature by identifying several determinants of SWB for Indians after the country’s integration of the international market. The government needs to collect happiness related data during the census so that the country can implement happiness enhancing policies.
... Mindfulness is defined as one's moment-to-moment awareness [11]. Finally, optimism is an indicator of SWB [17] that is characterized by having positive expectations for one's future and striving to achieve one's goals even when progress is slow or challenging [52]. ...
The profile of subjective well-being (SWB) in university students is perturbing in many respects. Indeed, university students are in need of tools to combat stress and promote SWB now more than ever given the adverse repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive education could serve as a SWB tool to help university students deal with academic, personal, and global stressors. While a number of studies have quantitatively reported the impact of positive education on student SWB, few have considered students’ experiences and perceptions of changes in their SWB as a result of taking a positive education course. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore university students’ experiences in a positive education course and their perceptions of its influence on their SWB immediately after taking the course. Undergraduate students ( n = 17) who had taken a positive education course during the Winter term of 2020 (January–April) were recruited via volunteer sampling. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Analyses revealed that the course improved the students’ SWB, self-compassion, mindfulness, and optimism. Mechanisms such as greater self-reflection, implementation of intentional positive activities, and big picture thinking underlie these reported improvements. Our findings support positive education’s effectiveness in enhancing student SWB and expand on the current literature by proposing novel mechanisms linking positive education to enhanced student SWB, self-compassion, mindfulness, and optimism.
... Emmons (1986) highlighted varied features of one"s goals: the existence of significant goals, progress towards those important goals, and conflict among various goals can play significant role in the cognitive and emotional wellbeing. It has been suggested, the way goals are approached that influences the subjective wellbeing (Cantor and Sanderson, 1999;Higgins et al. 1999;Scheier and Carver, 1993). It has also been suggested that individuals" coherent sense of their own personality and acting in accordance with that personality are positively related to wellbeing (Donahue et al. 1993;Sheldon et al.1997), though these findings might not generalize to less individualistic cultures (Suh, 1999). ...
An individual‟s existence in terms of survival depends on the power dynamics used in
society. Since the evolution of human and animals on this planets have been largely
dominated by the survival mechanism exercised by different species. In biology,
Darwin‟s thought of the survival of the fittest is relevant in this context. In simpler
terms, power can be understood by one‟s ability to get things done without any
resistance or with the minimum possible resistance. As the human society got
established which was reflected in well structured home, agriculture and trade; the
next major development was a concept of state which is again an extension of power
in certain preferred and noble individuals who are given the authority to rule and to
subjugate the majority of less powered people. In current scenario, motive for politics
and power position among youth has emerged as a key topic. Therefore, in present
research, researcher has studied motive for power positions in relation to well-being
and personality. For this purpose, this study was conducted among 300 youths from
rural and urban contexts. It was found that motive for power positions exists in youth
in a significant manner and influences their well-being in an important manner.
... Optimism and hope have adaptive functions and play a role in human evolution (Sharot, 2011). An optimistic and hopeful outlook appears to offer numerous healthy and psychological benefits (Scheier and Carver, 1993;Peterson, 2000;Sweeny et al., 2006). After all, having a positive outlook on the future brings a sense of comfort; on the other hand, having a negative view can lead to feelings of anxiety or negativity. ...
... By engaging in activities, older individuals can effectively increase their happiness (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005(Lyubomirsky et al., , 2011aLyubomirsky, 2008;Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009). Such activities may include thinking optimistically about one's future (Scheier & Carver, 1993), counting one's blessings (McCullough et al., 2002), savouring positive experiences (Jose et al., 2012), or engaging in acts of kindness (Krueger et al., 2001). Concrete examples of exercises designed to express gratitude that can be included in interventions are writing letters of gratitude to someone who has helped them in one way or another (Lyubomirsky et al., 2011a;Boehm et al., 2011) and listing "five blessings" or "three things one is grateful for" once a week (Chancellor et al., 2018;Lyubomirsky et al., 2005). ...
Happiness represents an important driving force for individuals at any life stage and continues to be so in midlife and older age. While ageing is usually associated with experiencing less happiness, research findings show that people tend to be happier as they grow older (i.e. the positivity effect). In this chapter, I will examine happiness in midlife and older age, including attempts to explain the age-related positivity effect. In this sense, I will describe how happiness is defined in midlife and older age and what factors can influence it. Additionally, I will examine how happiness can be measured objectively by using various scales and how middle-aged and older individuals describe happiness from their point of view. Next, I will consider the existing links between happiness and personal growth in all life domains (i.e. cognitive, emotional, social, personality, physical). Starting from the existing evidence-base and theoretical models concerning happiness in midlife and older age, I will then go on to examine how can positive psychology principles and developmental assets be applied to design interventions to promote happiness among middle-aged and older adults.
... This, in turn, makes it difficult for them to devote themselves to family life, which might cause work-family conflict. Furthermore, when employees are highly optimistic, they are able to react to stress with more positive emotions, adjust their emotional state in a timely manner, and correctly deal with the loss of resources (Scheier and Carver, 1993). As such, even though optimistic employees are exposed to abusive supervision variability, they can more effectively handle such stressful work experiences and the level of psychological detachment is less affected. ...
Although a number of studies have examined the effects of abusive supervision variability, which refers to leaders engaging in differential abuse toward different subordinates within the team on work-related outcomes, scant research has investigated whether and how abusive supervision variability affects non-work outcomes. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, the current study explores how abusive supervision variability affects work–family conflict through psychological detachment, as well as the moderating role of optimism. Results based on a survey of 260 employees from nine companies show that abusive supervision variability is significantly and positively related to work–family conflict. Psychological detachment mediates the effect of abusive supervision variability on work–family conflict. Optimism moderates the relationship between abusive supervision variability and psychological detachment and the indirect effects of abusive supervision variability on work–family conflict through psychological detachment. This study extends the literature on the effects of abusive supervision variability and provides several important practical implications.
... However, if the positive-reframing strategy was used a lot for 6 months, it was found to have a negative association with the practice of physical health behaviors such as the balanced diet and the stop smoking and drinking. Previous studies have addressed both advantages and disadvantages of positive-reframing [25,26]. Positive-reframing could have contributed to the self-motivation for healthy behaviors and finding meaning in times of crisis or appreciating life which are important factors in cancer patients' health management [27][28][29]. ...
Purpose
We aimed to examine different effects of the current capability of and changes in self-management strategies on improving health behavior and psychological health (satisfaction of life, depression, and anxiety) after 6 months in cancer patients.
Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted, including 540 cancer patients. We measured cancer patients’ self-management strategies’ capability with Smart Management Strategies for Health (SMASH) Assessment Tool (SAT) baseline scores and changes with SMASH change scores based on a clinically meaningful 10% change of the scores. We conducted adjusted multivariate multiple logistic regression analyses using the stepwise selection method between SMASH baseline and health behavior, satisfaction with life (SWL), depression, and anxiety and between SMASH changes and health behavior, SWL, depression, and anxiety.
Results
256 cancer patients completed both the first and second surveys. While various SMASH capabilities positively affected each health behavior, SWL, depression, and anxiety, the positive-reframing strategy at baseline only affected all health behavior, SWL, and depression. However, based on SMASH changes, using the positive-reframing strategy a lot for 6 months adversely affected some physical health behaviors’ practice (balanced diet and stop smoking and drinking). Changes in the life value pursuing strategy only positively affected HB (proactive living) and anxiety.
Conclusion
SMASH baseline and change scores were generally associated with practicing cancer patients’ health behaviors, lower depression, and anxiety. However, it is necessary to consider that excessively using the positive-reframing strategy would interfere with practicing a balanced diet and stopping smoking and drinking behaviors.
... Building upon the call for research on adequate indicators of positive mental functioning or flourishing [35], Caprara and colleagues developed a conceptualization of the cognitive component to well-being encompassing self-esteem [36], life satisfaction [37], and dispositional optimism [38]. These dimensions represent phenomenological expressions of the latent construct named Positivity [39]. ...
Abundant research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has been negatively affecting mental health in adolescence. Few works, however, benefit from data from the same sample before and after the onset of the pandemic. The present longitudinal study involved a non-clinical group of 136 Italian adolescents (Mage = 16.3 years ± 1.08, 67% girls) to investigate their psychological response to the first lockdown and explore the role of a protective trait (i.e., Positivity) in moderating the effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) on internalizing symptoms before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing psychopathological symptoms, psychological well-being, IU, and Positivity on three separate occasions: October 2019 (T1), January 2020 (T2), and April 2020 (T3). The results showed that internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as psychological well-being did not vary significantly over time. Positivity was found to significantly moderate the relationship between IU and internalizing symptoms at T3 (i.e., during the COVID-19 lockdown) only. Overall, our findings suggest that the teenagers’ good adjustment to the initial phase of the pandemic might have been associated with the enhanced weight of the Positivity trait, which may have encouraged a positive attitude towards self, life, and the future.
... Learning about positive thinking can be useful for selfdevelopment, developing of positive relationships, increasing self-esteem, and respect for others. Scheier and Carver (1993) also argue that positive thinking involves maintaining positive expectations (which include the consequences of actions) about one's future. Dispositional optimism is a characteristic of personality. ...
The article provides a theoretical analysis of the problem of the impact of positive thinking on overcoming stress in the context of neuroscience. It is noted that coping-counteraction with stress is ruled by conscious and meaningful at the level of mental activity intellectual strategies of anti-stress actions related to individual characteristics of thinking style and personal characteristics. The style of thinking and its influence on the self-regulation of an individual in stress can largely determine the interhemispheric asymmetry of a brain and the localization of its dynamic functions. The content and functional features of positive thinking are determined. Methods of development of positive thinking are considered. It is emphasized that realistic (positively and health-improving) thinking with reasonable optimism should be developed comprehensively – in a combination of neuropsychological and socio-psychological technologies at the systemic, integration level. Effective technologies of anti-stress thinking training are offered: self-help, debriefing, development of reflection, use of cognitive-behavioral, positive and rational psychotherapy techniques, psychological training, neuropsychological methods and techniques, ecological methods of optimizing health thinking. Practical recommendations for „reprogrammingˮ a brain for positive thinking have been developed.
... Finally, optimism is defined as the propensity to experience positive outcomes (Luthans et al., 2007). In terms of coping, Scheier and Carver (1993) claim that optimists are prone to act and plan to address potential problems which is essential for future-oriented coping (Gan et al., 2007;Stanojevic et al., 2014). Even though in preventive coping individuals aim to alleviate anticipated negative impacts, optimists are more likely to engage in actions instead of avoiding them and expect their effort to diminish or prevent potential harm (Drummond, 2014). ...
It is essential to understand how teachers cope with stress and how this affects their well-being as teachers work in very demanding environments. The study employed the transactional model of stress and coping as a theoretical framework to investigate the relationship between the Psychological Capital dimensions (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism), future-oriented coping (proactive and preventive coping), and work-related well-being (job satisfaction and work engagement). An online survey was completed by 213 secondary school teachers in Germany. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses indicated that optimism and self-efficacy were significant predictors of proactive coping, and hope predicted preventive coping. Optimism, hope, and resilience had a significant impact on job satisfaction. Furthermore, hope, optimism, and proactive coping significantly predicted work engagement. Proactive coping mediated the relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy and work engagement as well as between optimism and work engagement, whereas preventive coping was not a significant mediator. The results imply that developing the Psychological Capital dimensions and proactive coping through interventions can be a valuable avenue to increase teacher well-being.
... However, as life-span developmental psychologists have started to better understand age differences in the experiences of emotion, much less attention has been paid to the unfolding of the predictors of these experiences across the adult life span. For example, optimism has been a widely studied predictor of individual differences in affect (Scheier& Carver, 1993;Seligman, 1990). Interest in optimism as a predictor of well-being is rooted in cognitive models in which habitual frames of processing information have rami cations for affect (see, for example, Beck, 1967). ...
Human life is a continuous process of growth and decay, beginning from infancy and gradually coming to old age through childhood and adulthood and it ultimately terminates with death. Old age comes to everyone of us. Old age has been seen and is related to the decline in the physical functionality of a person, it even affect the functions played by different organs in our body. Nevertheless, the other side of getting old is deep knowledge of oneself, serenity and a feeling of wholeness. It is this side of old age, its aspects and its future, on which the current study is focused upon. The enhancement of positive working in old age has been long associated with the spiritual activities. This study aims to nd the effect of yoga on the well being levels of elderly and also comparison of the enhancement of well being through yoga of adolescents with elder lies. Standardized tool (Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB), was been used to measure well being in both groups. Yoga classes were undertaken for 1 month by 30 participants each in both groups and a pre and post analysis was been done. Results clearly show an increase in level of well being in both the groups but for adolescents it was much higher.
... The widely used Life Orientation Test (LOT, Scheier & Carver, 1985;LOT-R, Scheier et al., 1994) is based on this definition. They also suggested that optimists report higher subjective well-being because they handle critical life situations better than pessimists (Scheier et al., 1986;Scheier & Carver 1993). ...
Abstract: The main objective of this longitudinal study, with two measurements, one before the lockdown (M1: March 2-8), and the other during the lockdown (M2: April 20-26), using the same participants, is to determine the evolution of the hedonic and eudaimonic aspects of well-being and the effect of compulsory confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. The study was conducted online, participants completed the domains of the PERMA-Profiler well-being measure at both measurement times (M1 and M2) and the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) measure of dispositional optimism at the first measurement (M1). The results show significant relationships between all the well-being domains and the Overall Well-being (PERMA) score, similar at both measurements (M1 and M2). The comparison of the well-being domains score between the two measurements shows significant differences in Positive Emotion, Engagement, Meaning, and the Overall Well-being score; the score is higher at the first measurement (M1) than at the second measurement (M2). For the Negative Emotion domain, the score is higher during the lockdown (M2). Dispositional optimism has a moderation effect during the lockdown on the Accomplishment domain: the more optimistic the person is, the more their Accomplishment score increases. Gender also has a moderation effect during the lockdown on the Happiness domain: in men, the Happiness score increases during the lockdown and, in women, it decreases, when comparing both genders with their previous non-confinement levels.
... As such, optimism is associated with increased engagement (Lu, Xie, & Guo, 2018) and performance (Luthans, Avolio, Walumbwa, & Li, 2005). This investment towards these goals is facilitated by a learning-focused orientation (Rozkwitalska, Basinska, Okumus, & Karatepe, 2022) that prompts incumbents to self-regulate their actions towards goal-focused learning and development activities (e.g., Rottinghaus, Day, & Borgen, 2005) in which they strive towards their desired outcome of improved status (Scheier & Carver, 1993). ...
... Positivity, which can be considered as an important protective factor in the decrease of cyber-bullying behaviours, is defined as a personality tendency that helps the individual to have a positive perspective in their lives (Caprara, Eisenberg, & Alessandri, 2017). In general, positivity is expressed as the constituent of self-confidence (Scheier & Carver, 1993) and the main determinant of well-being (Kozma, Stone, & Stones, 2000) considering individual differences. When studies on positivity are reviewed, it is seen that positivity is representative of phenomena such as self-esteem, optimism and life satisfaction (Caprara et al., 2012). ...
Introduction: The use of social media tools is increasing day by day. In addition to its positive use, social media tools are also used in the virtual environment to harm others. This harmful use is noted as cyber-bullying. Determining the factors affecting cyber-bullying is of great importance in terms of contributing to intervention studies. This study aims to examine the moderate role of positivity and sensitivity towards cyber-bullying between cyber-victimization and cyber-bullying.
Methods: The study was carried out with 342 university students, who approved voluntary participation in the process. The students who voluntarily participated in the research were 239 females (69.9%) and 103 males (30.1%), who were between 18 and 28 years old. In the data collection process, the revised cyber-bullying inventory, positivity scale, and personal information forms were used. In this research process, the moderating role of positivity and sensitivity (M) in the relationship between cyber-victimization (X) and cyber-bullying (Y) was investigated.
Results: As a result of the research, it was found that 35% of the participants were exposed to cyber-bullying and 1.4% were engaging in cyber-bullying. It was also found that there was a moderate positive relationship between cyber-victimization and cyber-bullying. In addition, the results showed that there is a negative relationship between positivity and sensitivity to cyber-bullying and cyber-victimization, and cyber-bullying. As a result of the analysis, it was observed that positivity and sensitivity affected the relationship between cyber-victimization and cyber-bullying. The results indicate that a decrease in positivity and sensitivity results in cyber-bullying behaviour, whereas an increase in positivity and sensitivity decreases cyber-bullying behavior.
Discussion: The concept of positivity can be said to enable individuals exposed to cyber-bullying to create alternative emotions and create alternative strategies for the problem they are experiencing. In addition, the high level of positivity of the individual experiencing cyber-victimization can be thought to help develop and maintain friendship relations by improving their psychological resources. As a result, it can be stated that the probability of cyber-bullying decreases. In another result of the research, it has been revealed that the sensitivity between exposure to cyber-bullying and cyber-bullying has a moderating effect on cyber-bullying. When the sensitivity to cyber-bullying is low, it is observed that the effect of cyber-victimization on cyber-bullying is further increased. When there is a high sensitivity to cyberbullying, the impact of cyber-victimization on cyber-bullying is increasing very little and this effect is observed to be less powerful.
Limitations: The current study has also some limitations. First, the study was carried out as a cross-sectional study. A longitudinal study can be conducted to obtain more detailed results about the moderating effect. Second, positivity was used as an indicator of well-being. Therefore, it is essential to be careful while generalizing the results; different scales related to psychological well-being can be used. Third, the current study just used scales to evaluate the students’ self-report; for this reason, the choice of mixed research approaches can offer a wide perspective by taking the opinions of different individuals such as friends and parents of individuals.
Conclusions: The findings provide evidence for reducing cyberbullying. In addition, the results provide useful information in the preparation of cyberbullying intervention programs.
... Research has shown that individual development is important for optimistic individuals (Seligman et al., 2006). Others have stated that individuals whose optimistic orientation is dominant have higher subjective well-being than those who are pessimistic in the face of stressful and negative situations (Scheier & Carver, 1993). ...
... Positivity, which can be considered as an important protective factor in the decrease of cyber-bullying behaviours, is defined as a personality tendency that helps the individual to have a positive perspective in their lives (Caprara, Eisenberg, & Alessandri, 2017). In general, positivity is expressed as the constituent of self-confidence (Scheier & Carver, 1993) and the main determinant of well-being (Kozma, Stone, & Stones, 2000) considering individual differences. When studies on positivity are reviewed, it is seen that positivity is representative of phenomena such as self-esteem, optimism and life satisfaction (Caprara et al., 2012). ...
Introduction: In the information society, the stimulus threshold for learners has changed, which requires a novel education strategy. Today, it is no longer what attracts students’ attention that it was 20 years ago. In addition to the rapid development of ICT, public education cannot go either. We believe that advanced teacher digital competence can be one of the keys of finding common ground with students and doing effective teaching work.
Methods: In our research we examine the level of digital competence of public education teachers before the pandemic and during the 2nd wave in Hungary (2020 autumn). We examine the development of digital competence, student performance, and the effectiveness of education outside the classroom in the spring period based on teacher experience. Data from the completed forms were evaluated by using basic statistical indicators.
Results: According to the data received, the pandemic revealed serious shortcomings in the level of development of the digital competence of both teachers and students. However, it also opened the way for catching up on both sides. Teachers were already better prepared during the second wave, so they were able to solve education more efficiently. Regional development differences and a lack of digital tools have widened the gap between students.
Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed these shortcomings in education. For here the process of teaching had to be placed in digital space from one moment to the next.
Limitations: The research shows data valid only for Hungary.
Conclusions: Expected result is the demonstrable development of competences.
... Optimists tend to perceive stressful events as learning opportunities (Scheier and Carver, 1993) and interpret them in a less threatening way (Arslan et al., 2009), and this attitude provides them with the right confidence level to confront difficulties (Brissette et al., 2002). Learned optimism (Seligman, 2011) has received a lot of attention, not only in research but also in military training strategies (Reivich et al., 2011). ...
Utilising an online survey, this study aimed to investigate the concurrent effects of pre-pandemic and COVID-19 stress on resilience in Mental Health Psychology Practitioners (MHPPs) (n=325), focussing on the mediation effects of specific individual factors. Optimism, burnout and secondary traumatic stress, but not coping strategies, self-efficacy, compassion satisfaction, or self-compassion, mediated both the relationship between pre-pandemic stress and resilience and COVID-19 stress and resilience. Increased job demands caused by the pandemic, the nature and duration of COVID-19 stress may explain this finding. Training and supervision practices can help MHPPs deal with job demands under circumstances of general and extreme stress.
... As experimental instructions changed appraisals away from stimulus-driven amusement generation (no ER goal) to cognitively emphasizing the stimulus event's positive or negative aspects, we found that emotional responses changed accordingly: With greater emphasis of positive aspects (positive ER goal) of the amusing stimulus, there was even less evidence of negative emotion in emotional expression. This finding may shed light on fundamental processes involved in capitalizing (Langston, 1994;Peters et al., 2018), savoring (Quoidbach et al., 2015;Seligman et al., 2006), positivity bias (Norris et al., 2011;Unkelbach et al., 2020), optimism (Alarcon et al., 2013;Scheier and Carver, 1993), or positive refocusing (Garnefski and Kraaij, 2006). With greater emphasis of negative aspects (negative ER goal) of the amusing stimulus, there was less evidence of positive emotion and more evidence of negative emotion in emotional experience and expression. ...
We examined whether positive and negative emotion regulation (ER) goals while cognitively reappraising amusing stimuli differentially engage positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) systems. Forty-eight women watched 20–30s amusing film clips. They were instructed to either respond naturally (no ER goal) or emphasize the film clips' positive (positive ER goal) or negative (negative ER goal) aspects in their interpretation. We measured PA and NA system activity on experiential, expressive, and physiological response channels through self-reported amusement and disgust, electromyography of zygomaticus major and corrugator supercilii, and autonomic nervous system reactivity from respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and pre-ejection period (PEP). Natural viewing (no ER goal) of amusing clips increased self-reported amusement (and to a lesser degree disgust), zygomaticus reactivity, and RSA. Compared to no and negative ER goals, reappraising the amusing clips with a positive ER goal decreased corrugator reactivity, decreasing negative emotional expression. Compared to no and positive ER goals, reappraising the amusing clips with a negative ER goal decreased self-reported amusement and zygomaticus reactivity and increased self-reported disgust and corrugator reactivity, decreasing positive and increasing negative emotional experience and expression. We conclude that positive and negative ER goals while reappraising amusing stimuli differentially engaged PA and NA systems: The positive ER goal engaged withdrawal of the expressive NA system, whereas the negative ER goal engaged reciprocal NA–PA system activation on experiential and expressive response channels.
This chapter discusses how Subjective Well-Being (SWB) and Subjective Ill-Being (SIB) get conceptualized in the Indian context, it provides the structure of the concept with the help of a qualitative study. The conceptualization or structure is based upon an exploratory study conducted upon 184 respondents across four age groups [children (n) = 46, adolescents and young adults (n) = 46, middle-aged (n) = 48, and older adults (n) = 44] and across different locales [urban, urban slums, and rural]. The respondents were interviewed on a three-item open-ended questionnaire based on (Diener in Psychological Bulletin 95:542–575, 1984) SWB framework—on greater satisfaction with life (cognition), frequent positive affect, and infrequent or lesser negative affect. Their responses were recorded, transcribed, and content analysed for the themes that resulted in the understanding of the “Enhancers” (total of 12 conceptual categories enhancing SWB–Relationships, Health, Resources, Emotions, Education, Achievement, Work, Sense of Satisfaction, Recreation, Values, Societal, and Personality) and “Reducers” (total of 9 conceptual categories reducing the experience of SWB and/or resulting in SIB–Individual Concerns, Values related issues, Emotions related issues, Achievement related issues, Health related issues, Societal related issues, Attitude related issues, Resources related issues, and Environment related issues). The operationalization of the determinants in these two main themes may not necessarily be the opposite of each other.
Subjective well-being (SWB) measures are important as they assess well-being from the perception of the respondents. This chapter discusses the SWB Measure (SWBM) that has been developed based on the findings of the exploratory study undertaken on 184 participants’ responses on both cognitive and affective components that determine their concept of SWB. The preliminary SWBM was developed as a 7-point scale with 110 items distributed into two parts (65 in Part I measuring cognition and positive affect and 45 in Part II measuring negative affect). It was administered to 1050 college students and subjected to factor analysis (Principal Axis Factoring–Promax Rotation) with initial reliability of 0.90 and 0.87 for both parts, respectively. The final SWBM was developed as a 5-point rating scale with two parts. Part I consisted of 32 items distributed amongst 5 factors (Achievement and Recognition, Camaraderie, Contentment, Relationships, and Need Fulfilment) measuring positive affect and cognition, or positive factors enhancing the concept of SWB. Part II consisted of 20 items distributed amongst 4 factors (Social Sensitivity, Personal Sensitivity, Disappointments, and Individual Concerns) measuring negative affect or negative factors reducing the concept of SWB. The SWBM has been standardized on an analysable sample of 1272 respondents (total n = 1369) across ages and locales of society—age groups from children to older adults; income group = 0 INR to 36 Crores INR per annum; locales: urban, urban slums, rural; and respondents from 87 odd professions. The SWBM was standardized by computing the confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and validity analysis that is by validating it against the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., Journal of Personality Assessment 49:71–75, 1985) and PANAS (Watson et al., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 54:1063–1070, 1988). The CFA suggested an adequate fit for the SWBM; the measure showed high reliability (0.915 and 0.925 for both parts respectively). Discriminant construct validation of the SWBM showed a weak and non-significant relationship with PANAS (the value of r for SWBM Part I with PANAS (NA) = − 0.010 and that for SWBM Part II with PANAS (PA) was − 0.048.) and SWLS (value of r for Part II and SWLS = 0.054).
This chapter reviews and discusses the literature on the determinants of subjective well-being (SWB). Demographics play an important role in the understanding of SWB, though the effect sizes have usually been found to be low and mostly insignificant. Nevertheless, they are critical in understanding the role context plays in determining SWB. The chapter systematically reviews and discusses some important causes and correlates of SWB, how culture shapes concepts of SWB, and what insights national samples offer to enhance this understanding. This discussion is further enriched by a discussion of research undertaken in the Indian context.
The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between motivational religiosity and positivity. The "Motivational Religiosity Scale (MMRI)" and the "Positivity Scale (PS)" were applied in the study, in which 482 students studying at Hitit University participated. Research data were collected between May and August 2022 in the 2022-2023 academic year. Survey measurements regarding gender, class level, perceived economic status of the family, family type and family attitudes were also applied. Descriptive analyzes and correlational statistics were used to examine the relationships between variables. At the end of the study, the motivational religiosity and positivity levels of the sample were found to be high. Participants obtained a higher score on the "Relationship with God as a Source of Strength and Trust" sub-dimension. Motivational religiosity and positivity did not differ according to gender. In the class level variable, only the "Prosocial and Religious-Intellectual Responsibility" sub-dimension differed in favor of the 1st and 2nd grades. While the positivity levels of the groups did not differ according to the perceived economic status of the family, there were significant differences in the motivational religiosity level (including the sub-dimensions). As the perceived economic status level increased, motivational religiosity levels decreased. Motivational religiosity also differed according to family type variable. The highest mean score of religiosity was found in the extended family type, while the lowest average was found in the single-parent family type. However, in terms of positivity levels, the groups showed similar characteristics. In the family attitude variable, there were significant differences between the groups at various levels in the scores obtained both in the motivational religiosity scale and its sub-dimensions and in the positivity scale. In particular, the motivational religiosity scores (including sub-dimensions) of individuals with protective, democratic and tolerant family attitudes were higher than the others. The lowest mean was in the group reporting unbalanced/indifferent family attitudes. However, the tolerant, democratic and protective family type also supported positivity more. As a result of the study, there found to be moderate and positive significant relationships between motivational religiosity and its sub-dimensions and positivity. Motivational religiosity explains 10.1% of the total variance of positivity. Structured Abstract: One of the concepts emphasized in the field of positive psychology is "positivity". "Positive thinking" and "positive orientation" are also used in the same sense as "positivity". These three concepts affect the way people evaluate their subjective experiences. Self-esteem, life satisfaction and optimism are closely related to positivity. Individuals with high self-esteem are mentally healthier, happier and more successful. Life satisfaction refers to the cognitive dimension of subjective well-being. The more positive a person's cognitive judgment about his/her life is, the more he/she will be satisfied with his life.
Preview of the Jhanas conceptualized in my thesis (preview jhana 1) and short overview of jhanas as an easy conceptualization (see DoC1 Delta 13, why this is used as such and other rules of the YH system used): opt out of this preview and the thesis of AI feeding and training against my will and consent and direct cooperation. It is stealing and theft if my system and also other aspects of my work is used for AI - including the intelligent design I made and I am sure was stolen.
Add on: Critic to the conceptions like DBT and their usage of „mindfulness“ is also in the discussion part. To refer to separate parts in the thesis - as also explained in the thesis - is for scientific embedding - while the work was done first separately of psychology with using the YH system and the Sutras of Gautama.
The chapter focuses on understanding how communication behaviour relates to constructing happiness and wellbeing. Today, we are passing through a period that is full of doubts, challenges, uncertainty, and relationship problems. We try our best to meet these challenges through various means, including communication skills. Communication skills are the tools that can enhance happiness and wellbeing. The chapter includes communication basics, ancient heritage for communication principles, myths about communication, happiness and wellbeing, gratitude, optimism, kindness, forgiveness, relationship, etc. Communication skills are very powerful tools through which we can make miracles in our lives. It is a boon given to human beings for making our lives easier. Every word spoken by us is interpreted by others, and based on their perceptions, they try to derive meaning. So, we must be very careful in using the proper words. The chapter describes the right style of communication and not giving others a chance to others to misunderstand or misinterpret. Certain communication behaviours are very much culture-based, so we should always honour the local cultural norms. The chapter describes how to start with very small activities like wishing, appreciating, and encouraging others by using simple words which are loaded with emotions and feelings. Thus, if we wish to be happy, we should try to make others happy.KeywordsWellbeing communicationCommunication happinessFriendship happinessCultivating happiness
Abstract: The positivity scale (P Scale) is a brief 8-item measure developed to assess positivity, defined as the tendency to view life and experiences with a positive outlook. This study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties as well as measurement invariance and means differences of the Arabic version of P scale in the Saudi Arabian context. A total of 762 individuals have participated in the study. The P scale’s internal consistency reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients. To test convergent and discriminant validity, the P scale was compared with other measures of satisfaction with life, happiness, and depression. Confirmatory factor analysis as well as multi-group confirmatory factor analysis and latent means differences analysis were performed to examine the factor structure and the measurement invariance and means differences of the P scale across sex and marital status. The P scale displayed good reliability as well as convergent and discriminant validity. Results also provided support for a one-factor and a partial invariant structure of the P scale. Results from latent mean comparison revealed no significant differences between males and females. With regard to marital status, married people scored higher on the P scale than single people. Taken together, these results provided support in the Saudi Arabian cultural context that the Arabic version of the P scale is a reliable and valid measure of general disposition toward viewing life and experiences in a positive manner.
هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى التعرف على العلاقة بين الصمود الأكاديمي والتفكير الإيجابي لدى طالبات جامعة الملك سعود، والفروق بينهم في الصمود الأكاديمي والتفكير الإيجابي في ضوء متغير التخصص، وتكونت العينة من (136) طالبة من طالبات مرحلة البكالوريوس للتخصصات الإنسانية (الآداب، التربية) والعلمية (العلوم، الحاسب والمعلومات) لجميع المستويات في جامعة الملك سعود بمدينة الرياض، واستخدمت الباحثة المنهج الوصفي الارتباطي وذلك لمناسبته لأهداف الدراسة، وقد تم تطبيق مقياس الصمود الأكاديمي من إعداد كاسيدي(Cassidy,2016) وتم ترجمته من قبل الباحثة على البيئة السعودية، ومقياس التفكير الإيجابي من إعداد هديان (2021). وقد توصلت نتائج الدراسة إلى وجود علاقة ارتباطية موجبة قوية ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى الدلالة (0.01) بين الصمود الأكاديمي والتفكير الإيجابي في كل من (البعد الأول: المثابرة، البعد الثاني: التأمل والتكيف لطلب المساعدة)، بينما توجد علاقة ارتباطية عكسية بين البعد الثالث: التأثيرات والاستجابة الانفعالية والتفكير الإيجابي، كما أن المتوسط العام لمقياس الصمود الأكاديمي بمتوسط حسابي (3.66) وبدرجة استجابة (عالية)، وكذلك جاء المتوسط العام لمقياس التفكير الإيجابي بمتوسط حسابي (4.17) وبدرجة استجابة (عالية). وأيضاً توصلت النتائج إلى عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوي الدلالة (0.05) بين متوسط درجات أفراد عينة الدراسة حول مقياس الصمود الأكاديمي في جميع الأبعاد وكذلك المتوسط العام تعزى لمتغير التخصص، كذلك عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوي الدلالة (0.05) بين متوسط درجات أفراد عينة الدراسة حول مقياس التفكير الإيجابي في جميع الأبعاد وكذلك المتوسط العام تعزى لمتغير التخصص.
Abstract
Optimism and Pessimism among Students of Al-Quds Open University in Palestine and their Relationship with some Variables
This study aimed to investigate the reality of optimism and pessimism among Students of AlQuds Open University in Palestine. The data was collected using optimism and pessimism scales through a stratified random sample of (3,341) male and female. The results showed that the degree of optimism among the students was above average with an average of (51.47), and a prevalence rate (68.70%), while pessimism was lower degree than the average (37.12), and a prevalence rate (49.56%). The results indicated a consensus between males and females
in the degrees of optimism and pessimism, so there was no significant difference between males in the averages of neither optimism nor pessimism. While the averages of optimism rises with the lower economic level of the student's family, unlike the averages of pessimism that decrease with lower economic level. The results also showed that the differences in the averages of optimism were in favor of students with high degree of religiosity, while the averages of pessimism were in favor of students with low degree of religiosity.
Keywords: optimism, pessimism, students of Al-Quds Open University.
Bu çalışmanın amacı çalışanların psikolojik sermayeleri ile dönüşümcü liderlik
ilişkisinde çalışanların gelişime açıklıklarının düzenleyici rolünü incelemektedir.
Ölçüm araçları olarak Psikolojik Sermaye Ölçeği, Dönüşümcü ve Etkileşimci
Liderlik Ölçeği ve Beş Faktör Envanteri’nin gelişime açıklık alt boyut soruları
kullanılmıştır. Çeşitli sektörlerden 252 kişinin katıldığı araştırma bulgularına göre,
psikolojik sermaye ile dönüşümcü liderlik arasında ve dönüşümcü liderlik ile pozitif
psikolojik sermayenin tüm bileşenleri arasında ayrı ayrı pozitif ilişki olduğu
belirlenmiştir. Analizler sonucunda psikolojik sermaye ile dönüşümcü liderlik
arasındaki ilişkide gelişime açıklığın düzenleyici rolüne rastlanmamıştır. Ancak
gelişime açıklığın, dönüşümcü liderlik ile psikolojik sermayenin iyimserlik alt
boyutu arasındaki ilişkide pozitif yönlü, dönüşümcü liderlik ile psikolojik
sermayenin öz yeterlilik alt boyutu arasındaki ilişkide de negatif yönlü düzenleyici
rol oynadığı tespit edilmiştir.
Using a convenience sample of adolescents ( N = 1609; 63.5% female; M age = 16.54), this study explored whether EI predicted adolescent life satisfaction and whether friendship quality and optimism mediated this relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The structural equation modeling revealed that EI predicted adolescent life satisfaction, friendship quality, and optimism, friendship quality partially mediated the relationship between EI and life satisfaction, and optimism partially mediated the relationship between EI and friendship quality. These findings prove that psychological or educative approaches focused on EI could increase life satisfaction in adolescents during difficult times such as COVID-19, but EI may be linked with life satisfaction via friendship quality only. Training in optimism approaches and friendship quality enhancement programs could also effectively promote life satisfaction.
هدف البحث الى قياس مستـوى التـفكير الايجابـي لدى طلبة جامعـة الموصل، والتعرف علـى دلالة الفرق فـي التـفكير الايجابـي لدى عينة البحث تبعاً لمتغير نوع الجنس (ذكور، اناث) ومتغير نوع التخصص (علمي، انساني)، وتألفت عينة البحث الاساسية مـن (958) طالباً وطالبة اختيروا بالطريقة العشوائية الطبقية التناسبية مـن الصف الثالث بكليات جامعـة الموصل للعام الدراسي (2020 – 2021)، ولتحقيق اهداف البحث قام الباحثان ببناء مقياس لقياس التـفكير الايجابـي حيث بلغت عدد فقراته (46) موقفاً موزعة علـى خمسة مجالات، وقد تم التحقق مـن الخصائص القياسية للمقياس حيث تم ايجاد الصدق الظاهري ، كما تم ايجاد الصدق البنائي للمقياس ، وكذلك تم استخراج ثبات المقياس بطريقة اعادة الاختبار إذ بلغت قيمة معامل الثبات (0,81)، وبطريقة معامل الفا كرونباخ حيث بلغ معامل الثبات (0,84). وبعد تطبيق المقياسين تم معالجة البيانات المستخلصة مـن اجابات افراد عينة البحث احصائياً باستخدام برنامج الحقيبة الاحصائية للعلوم الاجتماعية (SPSS)، واظهرت النتائج ان طلبة الصف الثالث مـن كليات جامعـة الموصل لديهم مستـوى متوسط مـن التـفكير الايجابـي، كما اظهرت النتائج وجود فرق دالاً احصائياً فـي مستـوى التـفكير الايجابـي لدى افراد العينة تبعاً لمتغير نوع الجنس (ذكور، اناث) ولصالح الاناث، كما واظهرت النتائج وجود فرق ذو دلالة احصائية فـي مستـوى التـفكير الايجابـي تبعاً لمتغير نوع التخصص الدراسي (علمي، انساني) ولصالح التخصص العلمي
Bu araştırmanın amacı, yetişkinlerin bilinçli farkındalık düzeylerinin, iyimserlik ve yaşam doyumlarına etkisini araştırmaktır. Araştırmanın örneklemini, Samsun ili merkezinde yaşayan 20 ve 50 yaş arasındaki 565 gönüllü yetişkin oluşturmaktadır. Örneklemde 399 kadın (%71), 166 erkek (%29) gönüllü yetişkin yer almaktadır. Araştırmada gerekli olan verileri elde etmek amacıyla Kişisel Bilgi Formu ve Bilinçli Farkındalık Ölçeği, Yaşam Doyumu Ölçeği ve İyimserlik Ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Yaşam Doyumu ve İyimserlik, Yaşam Doyumu ve Bilinçli farkındalık arasındaki ilişkiler Pearson Korelasyon Katsayısı ile test edilmiştir. Yaşam Doyumu ile İyimserlik arasında ve Yaşam Doyumu ile Bilinçli Farkındalık arasında pozitif yönlü anlamlı ilişkiler olduğu sonuçlarına ulaşılmıştır. Sosyal katılım derecesi çok yüksek olan bireylerin yaşam doyumu sosyal hayata katılım derecesi az ve çok az olan bireylerden daha yüksektir. Evli ve boşanmış bireylerin iyimserlik düzeylerinde bir fark yokken, her iki grubun da iyimserlik düzeyleri bekarlarınkinden, evli bireylerin yaşam doyumu bekarlarınkinden yüksek bulunmuştur.
The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of two agentic work behaviors (task focus and heedful relating) on job and life satisfaction among a sample of 210 full time employed university teachers in the public and private sector universities of Balochistan. Data for the present study were gathered by distributing self-administered questionnaire among the participants. The results were analyzed by using SPSS 20 software. Pearson correlation coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression were applied to determine the impact of independent variables on dependent variables. Correlations results indicated the positive significant relationship among task focus, heedful relating, job satisfaction and life satisfaction. Moreover, the Linear Regression analysis showed that both task focus and heedful relating work behaviours have their positive impact on job and life satisfaction. These findings imply that organizations should reconstruct their policies in such a manner that must endeavor and encourage the employees to practice agentic work behaviors at workplace so that they are both physically and mentally healthy.
The study was conducted to find differences among working and non-working individuals regarding happiness, gratitude, life satisfaction, and life orientation. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data. The sample consisted of 300 individuals; 150 were working and 150 were non-working individuals. Out of 150 working participants, 75 participants were bankers and 75 were teachers. The non-working sample consisted of 75 males and 75 females. Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, The Gratitude Questionnaire-six item form (GQ- 6), Satisfaction with Life Scale and Life Orientation Test-Revised were used to measure happiness, gratitude, life satisfaction, and life orientation respectively. Correlation unveiled that happiness, gratitude, life satisfaction, and life orientation were positively correlated. Independent sample t-test showed that working individuals were happier, more grateful, and more satisfied with life as compared to non-working individuals while non-working females showed higher levels of gratitude, satisfaction, and positive life orientation than non-working men. Further independent sample t test indicated that bankers were happier than teachers. Multiple regression analysis showed that happiness and gratitude predict life satisfaction.
The aim of the study is to examine the mediator role of positivity in the relationship between loneliness at work and organizational identity in school counselors. The research group consists of 304 school counselors from preschool to high school at the time of the study. A personal information form, developed by researchers, along with a Positivity Scale, Loneliness at Work Scale, and Organizational Identity Perception Scale were administered to collect data. Mediation analysis revealed that positivity was a partial mediator in the relationship between loneliness at work and organizational identity in school counselors.
Contrary to unidimensional conceptions of optimism and pessimism, factor analysis of 2 widely used instruments revealed that optimism and pessimism are empirically differentiable, but related, constructs. Moreover, consistent with expectations, optimism and pessimism were differentially linked with fundamental dimensions of mood and personality. Pessimism was principally associated with neuroticism and negative affect. Optimism was primarily associated with extraversion an positive affect. Findings are discussed with reference to current conceptual and measurement models of optimism and pessimism and their relations to broad dimensions of mood and personality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The primary purpose of this paper is to review recent research examining the beneficial effects of optimism on psychological and physical well-being. The review focuses on research that is longitudinal or prospective in design. Potential mechanisms are also identified whereby the beneficial effects of optimism are produced, focusing in particular on how optimism may lead a person to cope more adaptively with stress. The paper closes with a brief consideration of the similarities and differences between our own theoretical approach and several related approaches that have been taken by others.
Criticizes and reformulates the learned helplessness hypothesis. It is considered that the old hypothesis, when applied to learned helplessness in humans, has 2 major problems: (a) It does not distinguish between cases in which outcomes are uncontrollable for all people and cases in which they are uncontrollable only for some people (universal vs personal helplessness), and (b) it does not explain when helplessness is general and when specific, or when chronic and when acute. A reformulation based on a revision of attribution theory is proposed to resolve these inadequacies. According to the reformulation, once people perceive noncontingency, they attribute their helplessness to a cause. This cause can be stable or unstable, global or specific, and internal or external. The attribution chosen influences whether expectation of future helplessness will be chronic or acute, broad or narrow, and whether helplessness will lower self-esteem or not. The implications of this reformulation of human helplessness for the learned helplessness model of depression are outlined. (92 ref)
This article describes a scale measuring dispositional optimism, defined in terms of generalized outcome expectancies. Two preliminary studies assessed the scale's psychometric properties and its relationships with several other instruments. The scale was then used in a longitudinal study of symptom reporting among a group of undergraduates. Specifically, respondents were asked to complete three questionnaires 4 weeks before the end of a semester. Included in the questionnaire battery was the measure of optimism, a measure of private self-consciousness, and a 39-item physical symptom checklist. Subjects completed the same set of questionnaires again on the last day of class. Consistent with predictions, subjects who initially reported being highly optimistic were subsequently less likely to report being bothered by symptoms (even after correcting for initial symptom-report levels) than were subjects who initially reported being less optimistic. This effect tended to be stronger among persons high in private self-consciousness than among those lower in private self-consciousness. Discussion centers on other health related applications of the optimism scale, and the relationships between our theoretical orientation and several related theories.
The effect of dispositional optimism on recovery from coronary artery bypass surgery was examined in a group of 51 middle-aged men. Patients provided information at three points in time--(a) on the day before surgery, (b) 6-8 days postoperatively, and (c) 6 months postoperatively. Information was obtained relating to the patient's rate of physical recovery, mood, and postsurgical quality of life. Information was also gathered regarding the manner in which the patients attempted to cope with the stress of the surgery and its aftermath. As expected, dispositional optimism proved to be an important predictor of coping efforts and of surgical outcomes. More specifically, dispositional optimism (as assessed prior to surgery) correlated positively with manifestations of problem-focused coping and negatively with the use of denial. Dispositional optimism was also associated with a faster rate of physical recovery during the period of hospitalization and with a faster rate of return to normal life activities subsequent to discharge. Finally, there was a strong positive association between level of optimism and postsurgical quality of life at 6 months.
Extensive research supports the contention that an optimistic orientation may contribute to more effective coping with stressful life events than will pessimism (Scheier & Carver, 1985; Taylor & Brown, 1988). However, there is also evidence indicating that a strategy called defensive pessimism can be an effective way of coping with anxiety and motivating performance (Norem & Cantor, 1986a,b). Data from a longitudinal field study of Honors college students at the University of Michigan converge with previous experimental results in demonstrating the potential effectiveness of defensive pessimism within achievement domains. Longitudinal data from this study also indicate, however, that use of defensive pessimism within the achievement domain can have implications (or “side effects”) for the structure of activities, social interaction, and mood within and beyond that domain. Discussion centers on the importance of understanding the potential costs and benefits of both optimism and defensive pessimism as a function of particular goals and specific situations. From this perspective, an individual's capacity to respond flexibly to situations may be a crucial aspect of his or her ability to cope with a variety of potential stressors. Viewing optimism and pessimism as strategies that individuals may potentially select for specific situations leads to an emphasis on the process of coping over time and the potential for adjustment and change.
Extensive research supports the contention that an optimistic orientation may contribute to more effective coping with stressful life events than will pessimism (Scheier & Carver, 1985; Taylor & Brown, 1988). However, there is also evidence indicating that a strategy called defensive pessimism can be an effective way of coping with anxiety and motivating performance (Norem & Cantor, 1986a,b). Data from a longitudinal field study of Honors college students at the University of Michigan converge with previous experimental results in demonstrating the potential effectiveness of defensive pessimism within achievement domains. Longitudinal data from this study also indicate, however, that use of defensive pessimism within the achievement domain can have implications (or “side effects”) for the structure of activities, social interaction, and mood within and beyond that domain. Discussion centers on the importance of understanding the potential costs and benefits of both optimism and defensive pessimism as a function of particular goals and specific situations. From this perspective, an individual's capacity to respond flexibly to situations may be a crucial aspect of his or her ability to cope with a variety of potential stressors. Viewing optimism and pessimism as strategies that individuals may potentially select for specific situations leads to an emphasis on the process of coping over time and the potential for adjustment and change.
This study examined the role of dispositional optimism versus pessimism as a moderator of the tendency to become depressed after a specific stressful life change: the birth of a child. The optimism-pessimism dimension was operationally defined as generalized expectancies for favorable versus unfavorable life outcomes. Both optimism and depressive mood were assessed several weeks before childbirth. Depressive mood was measured again three weeks postpartum. Even after statistically controlling for initial dysphoria, optimism was inversely correlated with subsequent dysphoria. The effect of optimism was most pronounced among women who initially were not depressed, suggesting that optimism confers resistance to the development of depressive symptoms. Discussion centers on the relation between optimism and attributional style, and on the self-regulatory functions of optimism.