Health Behaviors of Optimists vs Pessimists

The video explores the differences in coping strategies between optimists and pessimists, highlighting how these strategies impact psychological and physical wellbeing. Optimists use engagement coping techniques, leading to better health outcomes, while pessimists often disengage, resulting in poorer health. Research shows that optimists are healthier, with lower stress levels and better biological markers. The video concludes that optimism promotes both psychological and physical health through healthier behaviors and reduced biological stress responses.

What type of coping strategies do optimists typically use?

• Denial methods

• Disengagement strategies

• Avoidance techniques

• Engagement strategies

How do pessimists generally cope with stress?

• By seeking information

• By using humor

• By suppressing thoughts

• By planning ahead

What has research shown about the health of optimists compared to pessimists?

• Optimists have worse health outcomes

• There is no difference in health outcomes

• Optimists are generally healthier

• Pessimists have better survival rates

What is one reason why optimists might have better physical health?

• They avoid rehabilitation programs

• They engage in health-promoting behaviors

• They have a higher body mass index

• They engage in health-damaging behaviors

How do pessimists' health behaviors differ from optimists'?

• Pessimists smoke more

• Pessimists adhere to healthier diets

• Pessimists eat healthier foods

• Pessimists exercise more

What biological marker is lower in optimists compared to pessimists?

• Stress hormones

• Body mass index

• Cholesterol levels

• Antioxidant levels

What is a benefit of having higher levels of antioxidants in the blood?

• Faster arterial calcification

• Higher cholesterol

• Better health outcomes

• Increased stress

What is one conclusion about the impact of optimism on wellbeing?

• There is no link between optimism and health

• Pessimism leads to better physical health

• Optimism promotes better psychological wellbeing

• Optimism has no effect on wellbeing

How does optimism affect pathophysiological pathways?

• It causes faster arterial calcification

• It results in less biological stress response

• It leads to higher stress hormone production

• It increases biological perturbation

What is a key difference in health behaviors between optimists and pessimists?

• Optimists lead healthier lifestyles

• Pessimists engage in rehab programs

• Pessimists eat healthier foods

• Optimists smoke more