One of the pioneers of positive psychology, Prof. Martin Seligman, defines optimism as the tendency to interpret the causes of good events as permanent and comprehensive and the causes of bad events as temporary and specific. He sees optimism as a learnable skill that is influenced by the way a person explains the causes of events (attributional style). Only in a second step is consideration given to whether success is due to one's own contribution or to external influences. Luthans (2004) and colleagues summarise this as realistic and flexible optimism, defined as ‘making a positive attribution (optimism) regarding current and future success’. This contrasts with pessimism, where negative events are seen as permanent and ubiquitous.
Seligman's research shows that optimism is associated with better health and higher resilience.
The following techniques can help develop and maintain a more optimistic outlook on life, which is conducive to academic and personal success:
- Positive reframing: Learning to see challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Gratitude journal: Regularly writing down things to be grateful for helps to focus on the positive aspects of life.
- Goal-setting activities: Setting and tracking achievable goals to boost self-confidence and promote a sense of self-efficacy.
- Mental contrasting: Contrasting hopes for the future with the real challenges in order to plan realistic ways to achieve goals.
- Visualisation of positive outcomes: Regularly imagining positive outcomes to reinforce a confident attitude.
Resources:
-
Fred Luthans, Carolyn M Youssef (2004) Human, Social, and Now Positive Psychological Capital Management. Organizational Dynamics 33(2)
Last updated on 3/12/2025.
Was this helpful?
Post a comment
You cannot comment as a guest, do you already have a campus profile? Login here.
