Research Project Statistics
This is additional information. I wrote a discussion post last week about it so it is based on that. The methodology for the optimism project that I will plan on using is a survey. I will send out an email with a questionnaire to friends and family or use a phone to call them directly. Depending on the feedback, I will see if I have to use social media to get the project accomplished. I feel very optimistic about this research project.
An optimistic person approaches life and its matters positively and sees the glass half full rather than half empty. It feels good to live a life as an optimist while being convinced that life is basically good and the world is rational, so it is possible to reasonably solve any situation and get out of it well and illuminate happiness. According to optimism, the world is a relatively safe place, and if it is not, you can always change this state of affairs to a more positive one. An optimist sees the event and other people as good or accountable for leading to good results. What drew my attention the most was that positive and negative expectations about the future are essential for understanding susceptibility to mental disorders, particularly mood and anxiety disorders, as well as physical illness (Conversano et al., 2010). He believes that in the end, it will turn out well and all. An optimist is a comparison of pessimism and negative, skeptical of people and reality.
According to psychology, optimism can be learned. We as individuals can become an optimist according to our own will and choice. Exercises to internalize such an optimistic attitude include, for example, continually repeating to yourself in every situation that it is good and how it should be. This is called a celebration of happiness, also in cases that do not look optimistic. According to some scientists, an optimistic attitude is the result of natural selection. During my research, I came upon some great practice exercises that all of us can do for a few days and see if they actually work; here are some examples:
Focus on what’s going well. Write down three things that have gone well in the past day. These can be large, like getting a raise, or small, like “I talked with an old friend today.” Describe the cause of each event, and credit yourself for the part you played in it, such as “I made that phone call I’ve been putting off for a long time.”
Practice Gratitude. Write down three things in your life that you are grateful for. This kind of focus on what enriches your life can help keep your thoughts and feelings more positive.
Look for the benefits. Think of a negative event from your near or distant past. Write it down. Now think of something positive that has or could come of it. Write it down. For the positive thought, use larger handwriting or a favorite color.
Look ahead. Picture yourself doing something that feels good. Expect good things to happen.
Build yourself up. When you need it, lean on others or your faith to build more strength. Say to yourself often, “I am strong.” (Healthwise Staff, 2019)
References
Conversano, C., Rotondo, A., Lensi, E., Della Vista, O., Arpone, F., & Reda, M. A. (2010). Optimism and its impact on mental and physical well-being. Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health, 6(1), 25–29 https://classroom.galencollege.edu/courses/3069064/files/198293164?wrap=1
Healthwise Staff (2019). Tapping the Power of Optimism. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/abl0330
