Frequently Asked Questions 

Tell us about why you decided to open the Centre for Optimism and what it is?

Have a read of The History of The Centre for Optimism.

Are there any scientific studies done on this subject matter? What does science say about the impact of hope and optimism? 

There are many scientific studies on the impact and value of optimism.  Most of them are contemporary - within the last ten years.

Some of the most exciting are in the areas of health.  See our resources on Health and Optimism

The OECD Study on Social and Emotional Skills in schools found, “Emotional stability skills are found to be the most predictive of mental health. Optimism has the highest relation to life satisfaction scores"

Research by several leading American universities and centers, have established a very strong link between optimism and longevity.   Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, have found that individuals with greater optimism are more likely to live longer and to achieve “exceptional longevity,” that is, living to age 85 or older.  

Optimism is strongly linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular events.   A 2018 study by the American College of Cardiology attributes this in part to the fact that ”Optimists persevere by using problem-solving and planning strategies to manage stressors.” 

Stroke survivors with high levels of optimism had lower inflammation levels, reduced stroke severity and less physical disability according to research presented at the 2020 Nursing Symposium of the American Stroke Association's International Stroke

A 2019 University of Illinois study shows people who are the most optimistic tend to be better sleepers.  Again, as the lead researcher Professor Rosalba Hernandez said, "Optimists are more likely to engage in active problem-focused coping and to interpret stressful events in more positive ways, reducing worry and ruminative thoughts when they're falling asleep and throughout their sleep cycle…Dispositional optimism—the belief that positive things will occur in the future—has emerged as a psychological asset of particular salience for disease-free survival and superior health.”

How do you cultivate the culture of hope/optimism - individually / within an organisation? 

Cultivating the habits of an optimist - check out our page on The Habits of an Optimist.

Read inspiring quotable quotes in "Optimism: The How and Why" by Victor Perton, CEO of The Centre for Optimism.

Victor Perton

Generally, optimists attract other optimists, and those other optimists will boost your own optimism, joy and happiness. It can become a virtuous circle, but you first need to seek it out or set it up.

Victor Perton in "Optimism: The How and Why"

"Rigorous studies demonstrate that gratitude journaling and expressing thanks can increase one’s happiness. It improves mental health, and increases happiness, life satisfaction, joy and optimism. In addition, it improves physical health through better sleep, reduced anxiety and lower levels of inflammation."

Project Optimism has produced "The Optimist's Gratitude Journal: 100 days to share and develop your gratitude" which is very helpful.

See https://www.amazon.com/Optimists-Gratitude-Journal-develop-gratitude/dp/B09MC5ZNPX