Effects of induced optimism on subjective states, physical activity, and stress reactivity

Abstract

This study examined effects of experimentally-induced optimism on physical activity and stress reactivity with community volunteers. Using an intervention to induce short-term optimism, we conducted two harmonized randomized experiments, performed simultaneously at separate academic institutions. All participants were randomized to either the induced optimism intervention or to a neutral control activity using essay-writing tasks. Physical activity tasks (Study 1) and stress-related physiologic responses (Study 2) were assessed during lab visits. Essays were coded for intensity of optimism. A total of 324 participants (207 women, 117 men) completed Study 1, and 118 participants (67 women, 47 men, 4 other) completed Study 2. In both studies, the optimism intervention led to greater increases in short-term optimism and positive affect relative to the control group. Although the intervention had limited effects on physical activity and stress reactivity, more optimistic language in the essays predicted increased physical activity and decreased stress reactivity.

Quality of life and its association with predictors in lung transplant recipients: a latent profile analysis

“…Thus, caregivers for “low QOL” profile patients could use encouraging words as much as possible to maintain patients’ optimistic attitude during rehabilitation sessions, which might help them cope better with the illness and more quickly improve their QOL ( 19 ). The Three Good Things (3GT) intervention is one of the most popular and effective ways to promote optimism, proven among students, healthcare workers and community-dwelling individuals ( 62 – 64 ). This intervention involves a simple and effective technique reflecting on and identifying three positive experiences or things that happened during the day.…”