Pessimists, he found, were much more likely to make risky bets, and lose. Optimists came away the winners. Goodwin and Aspinwall discuss what happens to optimists when bad things happen, and she observes that they tend to rebound quicker from ill fortune, including financial reversals and ill health. Heart patients are more likely to walk and return to work sooner, while breast cancer patients are better able to accept their surgery, she says. Peterson, who has extensively studied the relationship between optimism and overall health, says that pessimistic young people are less likely to grow into healthy adults, and more likely to die prematurely.
Pessimists are also more likely to suffer traumatic accidents.
Aspinwall says there is research showing links between optimism and health immune functioning, which could account for some of these health impacts. But Peterson says he is more inclined to believe that behavior is the primary link. Pessimistic people are less likely to take care of themselves in a variety of ways, he has found. Aspinwall also observes that and notes that over time, this results in more cumulative stress for pessimists. To learn more about Dr. Christopher Peterson or visit his website .