Add Lower Risk of Stroke to Many Benefits of an Optimistic Attitude
Protective effect of optimism may primarily be due to behavioral choices
July 21, 2011 - Previous research has shown that an optimistic attitude usually leads to
better heart health, a stronger immune-system and other health benefits. Now, we can add a lower risk of stroke as a result of a positive
outlook on life, according to a new University of Michigan study.
A nationally representative group of 6,044 adults over age 50 rated their optimism levels
on a 16-point scale. Each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9 percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up
period.
Stress cardiomyopathy often associated with older women who suddenly fall dead after loss of a loved one; new study says
this is problem for younger people and men, too - videos below story - July 19, 2011
"When people have a positive outlook on life, they undertake actions more likely to
produce good outcomes," said Eric Kim, the study's lead author and a clinical psychology doctoral student.
This study is the first known to discover a correlation between optimism and stroke.
Researchers analyzed self-reported stroke and psychological data from the ongoing Health
and Retirement Study, collected between 2006 and 2008. Participants were stroke-free at the beginning of the study.
Researchers measured optimism levels with the modified Life Orientation Test-Revised, a
widely used assessment tool in which participants rank their responses on a numeric scale.
The team used logistic regression analysis to establish the association between optimism
and stroke and adjusted for factors that might affect stroke risk, including chronic illness, self-reported health, behavioral, biological and
psychological conditions.
"Optimism seems to have a swift impact on stroke," said Kim, who collaborated on the
research with his Department of Psychology colleagues Nansook Park and Christopher Peterson.
The protective effect of optimism may primarily be due to behavioral choices that people
make, such as taking vitamins, eating a healthy diet and exercising, researchers said.
However, some evidence suggests positive thinking might have a strictly biological impact
as well.
The findings appear in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. The AHA
reports that stroke is the third leading killer in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
July 21, 2011 - Previous research has shown that an optimistic attitude usually leads to
better heart health, a stronger immune-system and other health benefits. Now, we can add a lower risk of stroke as a result of a positive
outlook on life, according to a new University of Michigan study.