3/22/2023 0 Comments Unrealistic optimism psychologyThe purpose of this study is to take a critical approach of the main research done in the area and to analyze the important impact that it has in many economic and managerial contexts. We offer recommendations to researchers who wish to examine the consequences of unrealistic optimism.Ĭomparative optimism Optimism bias Optimistic bias Risk perceptions.Ĭopyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. Purpose Unrealistic optimism is all around us, and it is a well-documented psychological phenomenon. Assessing the consequences of unrealistic optimism is tricky, and ultimately probably impossible when researchers assess unrealistic optimism at the group level (which reveals if a group of people is displaying unrealistic optimism on average) rather than the individual level (which reveals whether a specific individual displays unrealistic optimism). In this article, we provide an overview of the measurement of unrealistic optimism, review possible consequences, and identify numerous challenges confronting investigators attempting to understand the consequences. Few studies have examined the consequences of unrealistic optimism. This is particularly true regarding risks falling under the ambit of personal control, such as alcoholism, lung cancer, and STDs.Of the hundreds of studies published on unrealistic optimism (i.e., expecting a better personal future than is reasonably likely), most have focused on demonstrating the phenomenon, examining boundary conditions, or documenting causes. It is the unrealistic optimism of the latter which is detrimental to health.Weinstein first establishes that the majority of people are unrealistically optimistic about their health and future health risks. Finally, Taylor differentiates between ‘constructive optimists,’ who are proactive in matters of health, and ‘naïve optimists,’ who abdicate effort in the blind confidence that things will take care of themselves. Drawing from 3 decades of research, critically how researchers define unrealistic optimism is discussed, and four types of unrealistic optimism are identified that reflect different measurement approaches: unrealistic absolute optimism at the individual and group levels and unrealistic comparative optimism atThe individual andgroup levels. She contends that there is no evidence showing unrealistic optimism to be the cause of smoking or its continuance. Taylor cites an interesting scientific study that associates optimism with higher immunity against illness and infection. Taylor also links optimism with “good coping strategies” (Taylor, P.5), which incorporate successful interpersonal relationships, which lead, in turn, to a beneficial social support mechanism in problem resolution. Likewise, in the case of heart transplant patients and those recovering from coronary artery by-pass surgery, unrealistic optimism is associated with faster, better quality recovery. This is also true in the case of cancer patients, where the optimists live longer. The effect of unrealistic optimism is clearly stronger in relation to events that people think they have influence over 14,15,16 Both of the previously. Taylor further bolsters her argument by citing studies that show that AIDS patients with unrealistically optimistic outlooks follow better health habits and have a longer lifespan than their more pessimistic fellow patients. She supports this claim by stating that such optimists are more aware of pertinent information regarding health. However, she asserts that such “unrealistic optimism may actually lead people to practice better health habits” (Taylor, Paragraph 2). Taylor concedes that the majority of people are unrealistically optimistic about their health.
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