Unequally Distributed Psychological Assets: Are There Social Disparities in Optimism, Life Satisfaction, and Positive Affect?

Date Published: 
February 2015
Researcher(s): 
Boehm, J, Chen, Y, Williams, DR, Ryff, C, & Kubzansky, L
Abstract: 

Researchers investigated whether dispositional optimism may be a psychosocial process linking socioeconomic status with health. Using data from the Midlife in the United States study, investigators found social disparities in optimism and life satisfaction. Optimisim and life satisfaction are consistently linked with socioeconomic advantage, and could be one way in which social disparities influence health.

Health Assets: 
Life Satisfaction, Optimism, Positive Affect
Positive Health Type: 
Subjective