According to psychologist Martin Seligman, optimists and pessimists have opposite ways of thinking. As a result, the pessimist are prone to depression. In addition, they experience more health problems and do not live as long as the optimists.

Are Pessimists more likely to be depressed?

International studies have found that that pessimism is associated with a higher risk of depression in both the general population and those with physical illnesses (Armbruster et al., 2015; Anzaldi & Shifren, 2019).

How does pessimism affect mental health?

Pessimists tend to have greater stress and fewer coping skills. One study showed that in older people, pessimism is also correlated with higher stress levels, more focus on the less positive parts of their life, and a greater tendency to look back on life with more negativity in general, reducing life satisfaction.