Effects of a Positive AttitudeOn Health as We Age2014 Dan DickersonPsychology of Aging2014Catalin Mamali Ph.D.Instructor____________________________________________ Abstract:Martin Seligman has revolutionized the field of psychology with his hypothesis of Positive Psychology. In essence he describes his initial opinion, when elected as President-elect of the American Psychological Association, in such a manner. The field of Psychology had done a good job in the area of mental illness: depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. But the field of psychology/psychiatry had done poorly with mental health: positive emotion, engagement, purpose, positive relationships, and positive accomplishment.In this paper, I will hypothesize that a positive mental attitude/thinking can increase overall physical, emotional, intellectual, and social well being in the aging process. I will use Seligmans findings from his writing in, (Applied Psychology An International Review, 2008, 57, 3-18 doi;10.111/j.1464-0597.2008. 00351.x) also in pdf form, which will be attached to this paper. Along with Mr. Seligmans empirical findings, I will also use my own critical thinking and/or lifes experiences and observations to validate or refute Mr. Seligmans findings._____________________________________________________________ IntroductionThe effects of a positive mental attitude on overall health, longevity, and aging cannot be underestimated. Martin Seligman refers to this as positive health. He does not limit positive psychology/thinking to cognitive processes, but includes the benefits to overall health and well being of the individual physically, socially, intellectually, and emotionally or with an overall satisfaction in life. Seligman also refers to these aspects as Biological, Functional, and Subjective health. The absence of biological disease does not necessarily equate to overall health. The World Health Organization in 1946 offered this definition of health: "Health is a state of complete positive physical, mental, and social well-beingand not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." (Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization, 1946) (Seligman, M. (2008). APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW. Applied Psychology, (57), 3-18. doi: 10.111/j.1464-0597.2008.00351.x.pg.4)The goal of this paper is to examine Martin Seligman's hypothesis that a positive mental attitude or optimism, can have positive health benefits such as longevity, physical, mental, and social well-being.I have noticed in my own life and the life of others, that those who have a positive outlook have a better sense of well being and are generally more healthy, look younger, and enjoy their relationships Likewise, I have noticed that when I or others have been more negative about lifes circumstances and/or the future, then there is a definite correlation between poor health a pessimism. In general, people do desire overall health and well-being, yet sometimes do not understand the dynamics that their own cognitive processes play in the achievement of good health. Let us examine Mr. Seligmans findings, first with the Biological benefits of positive cognition's, positive emotion, engagement, purpose, positive relationships, positive accomplishment may be one of our best weapons against mental disorder.(Seligman, M. (2008). APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW. Applied Psychology, (57), 3-18. doi: 10.111/j.1464-0597.2008.00351.x)Biological: In relation to Cardiovascular Disease, a positive mental attitude indicates a direct link to increased longevity and improved prognosis. For example in one study Giltay, Geleijnse, Zitman, Hoekstra, and Schouten (2004) followed 999 Dutch seniors for