Research Database

Use the filters on the left to sort research by publication date, asset type, health asset, or health outcome.

October 2011
Dispositional Optimism Protects Older Adults from Stroke: The Health and Retirement Study
Data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study of people age 50 and older, was used to assess whether individuals with optimistic attitudes had lower incidence of stroke. Researchers found that people who are optimistic have a positive outlook on life and may choose to have a healthier lifestyle than those who are pessimistic—and that may increase their health and well-being.
March 2011
Happy People Live Longer: Subjective Well-Being Contributes to Health and Longevity
In this study, researchers review seven types of evidence that shows high subjective well-being (SWB)--including life satisfaction, absence of negative emotions, optimism, and positive emotions--cause better health and longevity. Examples of each type of evidence are described, and issues such as causality, effect size, methodological rigor, whether too much happiness can be detrimental to health, and whether there is a threshold effect for SWB are discussed.

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