It can also affect the way stress handles us.
Optimists are able to cope more effectively with stress.
It also reduces their chances of developing a stress-related illness. When optimistic people do become ill, they tend to recover more quickly. Pessimists are likely to deny the problem, distance themselves from the stressful event, focus on stressful feelings, or allow the stressor to interfere with achieving a goal. People with a more pessimistic attitude tend to report poorer health compared to people with optimistic attitudes. People with positive versus negative attitudes view situations differently.