The Role of Optimism in Health-Enhancing Behavior

Authors

S.S. Mulkana
B. Jo Hailey, University of Southern Mississippi

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2001

Department

Psychology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between levels of optimism and participation in health-enhancing behaviors.

METHODS: A convenience sample of volunteers obtained from undergraduate psychology classes (N=118) completed self-report measures of optimism and current health habits. They also predicted their use of various health strategies should they be diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. RESULTS: Analyses revealed a positive association between scores on the measure of optimism and both of the health measures.

CONCLUSIONS: The study extended earlier findings of a positive relationship between optimism and health-enhancing behaviors and demonstrated that this relationship can be observed for general health habits as well as in the context of a specific health threat.

Publication Title

American Journal of Health Behavior

Volume

25

Issue

4

First Page

388

Last Page

395

Recommended Citation

Mulkana, S., Hailey, B. J. (2001). The Role of Optimism in Health-Enhancing Behavior. American Journal of Health Behavior, 25(4), 388-395.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/3848