Psychosocial and biological aspects of dispositional optimism at old age

Rius Ottenheim, N. (2012)

Doctoral Thesis

The findings presented in this thesis fit the hypothesis that optimism is associated with enhanced mental well-being and longevity, but also that levels of optimism within a certain person are rather stable over time and resistant to change. However, this stability of optimism does not necessarily imply that no fluctuations in optimism are possible. Certain positive or negative life events are likely to provoke small (but temporary) changes in optimism. But it is possible that dispositional optimism can hardly be learned and that only little changes are possible in an otherwise relatively stable personality trait. Thoughtfully designed future clinical and epidemiologic studies are required to explore the potential benefits of optimism. But it certainly would not hurt __ and it might put a smile on your face__ to see the glass half full.

• Loneliness
• Telomere length
• Mental imagery
• Longevity
• Dispositional optimism
• Inflammation

• All authors: Rius Ottenheim, N.
• Supervisor: Zitman, F.G.; Mast, R.C. van der
• Co-supervisor: Giltay, E.J.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2012-09-06