Key to Good Health
Since ancient times, philosophers and doctors have pondered the importance of having a positive mental attitude for health, and modern research confirms it today. Attitude, referring to our habitual thoughts and emotions, is a key element in determining the quality and duration of our life.
Studies that evaluate attitude through scales such as the Optimism-Pessimism Scale (PSM) of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) have shown that people with a pessimistic explanatory style have worse health, are more prone to depression, use more healthcare and mental health services, suffer greater cognitive and immunological decline with age, and have a shorter survival rate compared to optimists. One of the most recent studies involved 5566 people who completed a survey at two points in time, the first at ages 51-56 and the second at ages 63-67.
The survey included a questionnaire to determine positive psychological well-being, measuring self-acceptance, autonomy, purpose in life, positive relationships with others, the ability to manage the environment, and personal growth. The results showed that people with low positive psychological well-being were 7.16 times more likely to be depressed 10 years later. This study highlighted that although life is full of events beyond our control, we can control our response to them. Attitude plays a crucial role in how we view and respond to life’s stressors and challenges, as these psychological stressors can trigger oxidative stress processes and ultimately cause serious diseases or hinder our recovery.
The connection between attitude, the brain, emotions, and the immune system has been examined in the field of psychoneuroimmunology. It has been shown that all parts of the immune system are connected to the brain, either through a direct connection of nerve tissue or through the complex language of chemical messengers such as hormones and peptides. A positive attitude can help improve immune system function, reduce inflammation, and prevent serious diseases.
On the other hand, a negative attitude can increase inflammation, weaken the immune system, and contribute to the onset of diseases. In summary, having a positive mental attitude is key to good health. This attitude not only helps prevent diseases but also improves our quality of life, increases our resilience, and enhances our ability to handle stressful situations. Therefore, it is important to foster a positive attitude and work on our psychological well-being to improve our health and life in general.
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