Optimism protects against depression

• April 28, 2024

An investigation indicates that the optimism between children and adolescents has a protective effect against some health risks, the clearest were seen against the symptoms of the depression , indicates the study published in Pediatrics

The promotion of optimistic thinking , at the hand of other positive emotional and psychological aspects, plays an important role in the mental health of the teenager.

The longitudinal study analyzed the health and social development of young adolescents in 3 states of Australia. With 5 thousand 634 volunteers aged 12 to 14 years, factors such as symptoms of depression, substance use, anxiety symptoms, antisocial behavior and positive thinking style, among others, were measured.

The results indicated that a positive thinking style can protect the adolescent and the child against depressive symptoms. The males had a lower level of depression risk with any kind of level of optimism reported, compared to girls.

The study notes that previous research found that the pessimism extreme is associated with a early death in adult life.

Experts conclude that the promotion of optimism protects mental health of adolescents, and may be accompanied by health benefits.