Different studies have researched the effect of optimism on health-related quality of life in various patient groups. The relationship between these two constructs in a healthy population has not...Show moreDifferent studies have researched the effect of optimism on health-related quality of life in various patient groups. The relationship between these two constructs in a healthy population has not been studied yet and thus the aim of this study was to look at the potential effects of optimism on different aspects of health-related quality of life in a healthy population. This was tested with an independent samples t-test using data from online self-administered questionnaires. These were the Life Orientation Test-Revised, which measures optimism, and the 12 Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which measures health-related quality of life. The main finding was that higher scores on optimism were associated with significantly better ratings of health-related quality of life. This significant association was found for both components of health-related quality of life assessed in the SF-12. Those with higher optimism scores had both a significantly higher physical component score (p < .05) and a significantly higher mental component score (p < .001) than those with lower optimism scores. A possible explanation for this finding is argued to be that the relation between optimism and health-related quality of life is mediated by engagement in health-enhancing behaviors. A limitation was that the research design of the study was cross-sectional, limiting the interpretations that could be made about the directionality of the established association. A longitudinal and experimental design would be beneficial in future research to examine whether optimism has a direct effect on health-related quality of life.Show less
