THE TRIUMPH OF OPTIMISM 
David Schwartz

     Dr. Susan Vaughan, M.D., in her book Half Empty, Half Full, declares that people who choose an optimistic outlook have better health, increased longevity, and greater success than pessimists.  Dr. Vaughan, a psychiatrist, through her work with many patients and her extensive literature review, presents this data and shows how powerfully optimism can create results for people.  

     Dr. Vaughan presents the surprising fact that pessimists are more accurate in predicting risk for unfortunate occurrences, and that optimists create an illusion of expected good results, which she describes on page 10 as “a desirable distortion of reality.”  Optimists will persist in believing in a desirable outcome when the “evidence” is to the contrary.

     Optimism is not simply an inherited condition, but it results from psychological techniques which optimists use to create positive attitudes.

     Basic to an optimistic attitude is the ability to be in charge of one’s own emotions:  to recognize and to experience a wide range of emotions, and to be in control of their expression.  It is important to recognize the power of moods to affect attitudes, but to not believe the mood as an accurate reflection of reality.

     If children receive parental guidance at an early age to learn how to have control over their inner feelings, they become capable to choose optimistic attitudes for the rest of their lives (Chapter 4).  Adults who have not had that kind of childhood experience may be unaware of feelings (emotionally shut down), or they may feel controlled and tossed about by their emotions and mood swings.  In either case, they can learn skills for managing emotions, some with psychotherapy and some without it.  Optimism then stems from a confidence that one can regulate one’s own inner moods.

     Having the illusion of being in control can improve the mood, and an upbeat mood can in turn reinforce the positive illusion (p.49).

     Does optimism ever have its downside?  Dr. Vaughan observes that to be true in only 2 situations, that of the compulsive gambler, and that of the teenager who believes she cannot get pregnant (p.47).  In all other circumstances, evidence shows the contrary, that the optimist’s attitude is beneficial in the long run.

     Optimists tend to readily take action to prevent or remedy problem situations early, because they believe that their efforts will be successful, whereas pessimists may be slowed down by inertia and lack of confidence. 

     Optimists create more positive interactions with other people, therefore generating more social support, which is powerful force in succeeding at any task.

     Optimists look at “failures” as temporary setbacks, and they see successes a proof of their abilities and strengths (p.154).  They credit themselves for their successes more than other people may give them credit, and they see themselves as more competent than average (p.155).

     Optimists often use downward comparisons as in, “I’m glad I’m not a…” or “I’m glad I don’t have…” rather than upward comparisons such as “I wish I were a…” or “I wish I had …”   They tend to do more volunteer work or take other altruistic actions to help the “less fortunate.” (p.160)

     Dr. Vaughan suggests several methods for learning to think like an optimist.  In addition to the aforementioned ways of thinking such as confident outlook, positive interpretation of events, downward comparisons, and looking at the glass “half full,” she suggests choosing optimistic people with which to play “mood ping pong,” elevating the mood with pleasant sensory experiences (p.162, 164), and using the old technique, “If you don’t feel it, fake it.” (p.161). 

     If none of these methods are successful, then working on one’s emotions with psychotherapy and remodeling one’s relationships can help, learning different ways of relating instead of repeating old destructive, pessimism-producing interactions with people (p.167-168).   The main benefit from working on one’s uncomfortable feelings is that one can see that having a range of feelings is not disastrous, and that one can become more autonomous, not depending on other people and circumstances for controlling one’s own mood (p.164).

     Dr. Vaughan cites numerous case studies from her own practice and documents other human and animal studies from International Journal of Neuroscience, Learned Optimism, Science, Journal of Personal and Social Psychology, Archives of General Psychology, Journal of Abnormal Psychiatry, Psychological Bulletin, Psychological Reports, American Journal of Psychiatry, Developmental Psychology, Child Development, Cognitive Therapy and Research, Psychological Review, Psychological Science, and many others.

     Dr. Vaughan gives an inspiring account of Jean Dominique Bauby, French editor of Elle, who had a stroke which paralyzed everything except his left eyelid.  He still had sensation all over his body, and he could see out of his left eye (locked-in syndrome).  He focused on positive emotions, fantasies, and memories to keep his mood up.  He learned to send coded information by blinking his left eye, and was able to write 2 books.

     Half Empty, Half Full can be an encouragement to all, and a scientific confirmation of what many people have declared, that thoughts do create reality.

     This book is published by Harcourt, Inc., available at www.harcourt.com.  ISBN #’s 0-15-100401-3, and 0-15-601100-X.