Pessimism can also be more beneficial than optimism in situations where you are waiting for news about an outcome and there is no opportunity to influence the outcome (such as waiting for the results of a job interview). ... Strangely, this type of pessimism can even help boost confidence.

Why do people want to be pessimistic?

What causes people to become pessimistic? Pessimism usually isn't a conscious choice. Some people are genetically predisposed to be more negative than others. However, pessimism more often develops as a result of external circumstances, such as a bad breakup, job loss, injury, illness, or other trauma.

How does pessimism affect you?

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.