Optimism and its role in the context of health

This monograph presents the current psychological constructs of optimism/pessimism and their role in the context of health and health-related behaviour. The key question the author asks is whether optimism brings benefits in the context of health, or whether it is associated more with risks. The monograph integrates eleven empirical studies, most of which were carried out during four consecutive research projects supported by the Czech Science Foundation. In addition to the constructs of optimism/pessimism, it also examines other demographic and personality characteristics as psychological variables influencing health-related behaviour, which is now considered the strongest factor contributing to an individual's health status. The monograph is intended primarily for a professional audience; in addition to students and experts in the field of psychology, its theme will also appeal to others developing the social sciences with an interest in human health issues.