The association of optimism and pessimism and all-cause mortality: A systematic review. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Craig, Heather; Freak-Poli, Rosanne; Phyo, Aung Zaw Zaw; Ryan, Joanne; Gasevic, Danijela
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 177(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Optimism -- Pessimism -- Mortality -- Review; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110788
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Research suggests that optimism and pessimism should be studied as two distinct constructs rather than as unidimensional, at opposing ends of a continuum. Optimism and pessimism have different associations with health-related behaviours, coping style, and a number of health outcomes. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on the association of optimism and pessimism and all-cause mortality. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From 6837 retrospective/prospective cohort studies identified, 25 were included, with a total of 217, 256 participants. Eleven of the 18 studies assessing optimism reported that optimism was associated with lower risk of mortality, while seven of eight studies measuring pessimism and the two assessing unrealistic optimism reported that higher pessimism/unrealistic optimism was associated with an increased mortality risk. Results of a meta-analysis indicated that optimism measured categorically was associated with lower risk of mortality (pooled RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.79–0.91). We suggest optimism and pessimism be measured as separate constructs, as both of these have distinct effects on mortality risk. Future research is required to investigate whether psychological interventions to increase optimism or decrease pessimism can reduce risk of all-cause mortality.