Positive Affect and Health

Abstract

Negative affective styles such as anxiety, depression, and hostility have long been accepted as predictors of increased risk for illness and mortality. In contrast, positive affective styles have been relatively ignored in the health literature. Here we highlight consistent patterns of research associating trait positive affect (PA) and physical health. The evidence we review suggests an association of trait PA and lower morbidity and decreased symptoms and pain. PA is also associated with increased longevity among community-dwelling elderly. The association of PA and survival among those with serious illness is less clear and suggests the possibility that PA may be harmful in some situations. We conclude by raising conceptual and methodological reservations about this literature and suggesting directions for future research.

Positive and Negative Affect and Health Functioning Indicators among Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses

“…Higher positive and lower negative affect were associated with lower levels of symptom distress, fewer depressive symptoms, higher daily activity living scores, and higher perceived physical and mental health-related quality of life. These findings are congruent with [Cohen and Pressman (2006)], who found that positive affect was associated with better selfreported health and less severe symptom reporting. The data also suggest that greater negative affect is positively associated with a number of health indicators (e.g., [Consedine et al, 2002]; [Leventhal et al, 1996]; [Williams et al, 2002]).…”

“…linked to fewer symptoms, less pain, and better health ( [Cohen & Pressman, 2006]). It has been associated with favorable health outcomes such as reduced systolic blood pressure and stress ( [Steptoe & Wardle, 2005]).…”

Medicine for the Spirit: Religious Coping in Individuals with Medical Conditions

“…They also noted studies in which psychological interventions were associated with both lower levels of distress and better immune function. In their review of research on positive emotions and health, Cohen and Pressman [57] stated that there was some evidence (though not conclusive) that positive affect was related to lower morbidity and patient reports of fewer symptoms and less pain. If religious coping indeed impacts emotional states, emotion may therefore serve as a pathway for additional effects on health outcomes.…”

Social Trust and Social Network in Iran

“…Trust within the context of family differs from the trust in institutions and civil society. Organizational trust is more than simply the personal trust that exists between individuals based on experience [1]. It may be seem as deriving as well at least partly from the roles, rules, and structured relations of the organization [2].Granovetter [3] has focused that social relations are mainly responsible for the production of trust in economic life.…”