Optimism and Unrealistic Optimism have an Interacting Impact on Health-Promoting Behavior and Knowledge Changes

Abstract

A general predisposition toward hopefulness (optimism) and a negation of relative risk of later health problems (unrealistic optimism) have both been thought to predict health-promoting behavior, albeit in differing directions. In Study 1 ( n = 72), unrealistic optimism and optimism interacted to predict changes in exercise behavior across 6 weeks; those high on both dimensions showed the largest decrease in their reports of exercise. In Study 2 (n = 60), those high on both dimensions showed the smallest increase in their coronary heart disease (CHD) prevention knowledge after attending a CH1D prevention lecture. The results support the discriminant validity of the two optimism personality constructs while also implicating their joint importance as determinants of health-promoting behaviors.