Interview with Simona Soleva, psychology graduate 

1. In general, optimism is defined either as the belief that in the end everything will be alright or as the conviction that there is always the possibility of positive change. Which one do you prefer?

I think, in the core of these two beliefs lies the same thing. That if we are looking for the positive ray of light in a dark time, it will eventually lead us out of the tunnel. I like the saying “reversal to the mean”, which means no matter how bad or how good things get, you will eventually reverse back to the mean, back to a content version of yourself.

2. In psychology, these definitions manifest themselves in two major theories about optimism: the dispositional model of optimism and the explanatory model of optimism. Could you give a brief introduction to both and explain which is the most accurate?

The easiest way to introduce these models is by saying that one is a genetic trait and the other is a learned cognitive style. The dispositional model refers to optimism as a personality trait that stays consistent throughout different situations. These kinds of personalities do not dwell or feel despair because of negative past situations, but they stay with the belief that things will always turn out okay. The explanatory model, on the other hand, is learned optimism, it is a cognitive style of explaining positive and negative events. They see good events as something like a constant, like a long-lasting state, whereas the negative state is a situation-specific temporary event. They also do not believe that the bad situation happened because of their shortcomings, but because of an external factor. I don’t think that one model is more accurate than the other, because they both believe in the same thing and that is that the bad situation has to end eventually. I would just say that the explanatory model is more achievable because it’s a skill that can be learned.

3. What are the benefits of being optimistic on an individual level as well as on the societal one? How can we use optimism as a tool for better mental health and social progress?

In the same way that manifestation works, so does optimism. Manifestation works in a way where if you borderline obsessively think or speak about something, you will perceive it more frequently in your everyday life. Let’s say you made an agreement with your best friend that if you spot 10 red cars you will quit your awful job and start pursuing your dream. When you see those 10 red cars, it doesn’t mean you made them appear just because you wanted to, but because you were hypervigilant of that specific-colored car. The same goes for optimism. If you try to find the positive spark in every situation, even as a joke, eventually your mind will train itself to look at every outcome a little lighter. For example, if you have a tummy ache, that is obviously a bad situation, but you can choose to look at it as a situation that forced you to take a break and rest in bed. The benefits of being optimistic is that it lowers stress. These individuals see a stressful situation as something temporary and manageable which helps them keep their positive mood. Because they are more resilient to negative situations, these personality types have a better immune system and lower risks of heart diseases because it’s not constantly burning out the body by fighting negative thoughts. They are also clearer minded and better at problem-solving situations, because they are not clouded by panic. Additionally, the societal benefits of being more optimistic is that optimism is contagious, and you will always choose to be surrounded by positivity rather than negativity. Also being less stressed and panicked makes you a better partner and a better employee because you are better at thinking on your toes and getting out of difficult situations. 

4. Is it possible to always look on the bright side of life to say it in the words of the famous Monty Python song? How can we maintain or even obtain a positive outlook on life especially in face of a time shaped by many global challenges and increasing mental health concerns?

I think Monty Python had the right idea but was perhaps a bit too ambitious. I don’t think you can ALWAYS look on the bright side because we’re not always in the same emotional state and that is okay. The way to obtain it and maintain it is by practice. Fake it till you make it and be a little delusional. Once the brain gets the hang of it and accepts it as a routine way of thinking, even if you are sad or in a negative situation, and you cry it out and get it out of your system, you will eventually start to think of the positive outcome again. Spreading the positivity is best done through the domino effect, if you are positive the people around you will also be positive.

5. It is often heard that optimists are people that lack real information. Would you say this perception is accurate? Is optimism in fact opposed to realism or can both be aligned?

I don’t agree that optimistic people are lacking real information. Just because you chose to direct your focus on something positive does not mean you don’t know enough. In the same logic, looking at only the negative aspects of a situation can mean you’re lacking information. The important part is being aware of what is happening, having the whole picture in front of you, from there on you are the one choosing on what part you are going to shift your focus to. Being aware and being optimistic can coexist because you can be conscious of the world around you, but you will always turn your focus on a specific part more, so why not the positive part?

6. To sum it up, why is it especially important to practice optimism in today’s world?

Life gives us enough challenges and burdens; we don’t have to make it harder on ourselves by being miserable every second of it. Maybe Sisyphus would’ve had fun pushing the boulder up the hill if he made it an ongoing game, by trying different techniques, beating his own personal records, carving things into the boulder etc. 😀

As I mentioned previously, being positive has amazing benefits on your mental, physical and emotional health, it also makes you a better friend, partner and worker. People always gravitate towards the shiniest star.

7. And finally, do you personally see the metaphorical glass as half empty or half full?

If it’s filled with rakija, it’s definitely half full. 😉

Sophia Abegg