Can Positivity Be Learned?

You may have heard that having a positive attitude leads to better results. This is largely true, and scientists have discovered that positive attitudes are directly linked to better results. One study found that people who were optimistic had better outcomes in health. Optimism is also related to better learning. Researchers decided to examine whether anything significant was going on inside the brains of positive high performers. They asked subjects to solve math problems while in an MRI scanner, which allowed them to monitor brain activity while they were learning. Researchers discovered that these high-performing individuals had higher levels of positivity than the average person and that there was a link between their positivity and their achievements.

Optimism is A Predictor of Health Outcomes

Optimism is a strong predictor of health outcomes and is positively associated with health behaviors such as reducing the risk of chronic disease. Optimism and health behaviors are also associated with reduced mortality and increased physical and psychological well-being. 

Optimism is associated with better quality of life and higher resilience to stressful situations. It plays an essential role in the adaptive management of life. Positive attitudes are associated with better health outcomes and improved quality of life in patients with different cancers. In addition, patients who are optimistic tend to be more resilient in stressful situations.

Optimism is associated with better health behaviors, including eating healthier foods and exercising regularly. People who are optimistic are also more likely to avoid smoking and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. However, the association between positive attitudes and healthy behaviors is complex and requires additional longitudinal studies.

Optimism is associated with a moderate correlation with health outcomes and can account for between five and ten percent of the variance in risk of developing a disease. Studies have shown that people who are more optimistic tend to live longer and have better immune systems than their pessimistic peers.

Optimism Can be Learned

Learning how to be optimistic can be beneficial for a person’s overall well-being. There is scientific evidence to support the idea that an optimistic mindset can be learned. It can reduce feelings of depression and improve physical health. The study’s authors believe that it is possible for anyone to learn to be optimistic.

To learn how to be more positive, one must get out of their comfort zone and expose themselves to a range of new ideas and points of view. Visualization exercises can also help a person remain optimistic. They can help a person stay motivated by picturing the positive outcomes they would like to achieve. Once they have a vision, they can practice focusing their minds on these outcomes. The power of positive thinking is also enhanced by a positive internal dialogue.

According to Seligman, “learning optimism can be achieved if we have the will to do so.” He studied the psychology of learned helplessness and found that people learn how to be optimistic by conditioning themselves. However, he found that not all people responded to the helplessness conditioning. It was Seligman’s research that inspired the positive psychology movement.

Optimism Can be Taught by A Positive Instructor

According to the positivity principle, people can learn better when they are taught by a positive instructor. Positive emotions are more engaging for learners and are more likely to influence their perception of the instructor as a worthy social partner. Negative emotions, on the other hand, may have a negative impact on a learner’s perception of the instructor.

In a study, students were able to distinguish between a negative and positive emotional tone in an instructor. Positive instructors were rated higher than negative instructors on the delayed posttest. These results support the cognitive-affective model of e-learning. Positive instructors can make a difference in student’s lives by helping them learn the skills they need to become more successful in life.

In one study, students found that instructors with positive emotions were more likely to help students learn. They also rated positive instructors as more credible and engaging, which increased their likelihood of cognitive engagement in learning. A study of online learning found that students who rated instructors as positive were more likely to complete their learning tasks and earn better grades.