Module Overview
Originated Prof. Felicia Megret
Optimism is a mental attitude – a happy belief that the outcome of some specific endeavour, or outcomes in general, will be good. The term derives from the Latin optimum, meaning “best”. Being optimistic, in the typical sense of the word, is defined as expecting the best possible outcome from any given situation. This is usually referred to in psychology as dispositional optimism. It reflects a belief that future conditions will work out for the best.
In this module we look at how optimism is also influenced by environmental factors, including family environment. With some suggesting it can be learned, we look at how Optimism may also be linked to health and wellbeing.