Optimism and Psychological Well-Being from A Positive Psychology Perspective: A Narrative Review

Year 2025, Volume: 16 Issue: 47, 1038 - 1057, 31.08.2025

Gazanfer Anlı , Mehmet Yavuz Furkan Solak

https://doi.org/10.21076/vizyoner.1579503

Abstract

Optimism refers to a positive opinion that good things would happen in the future and that negative situations are temporary or controllable. This concept, which has an important place in positive psychology, is closely related to the concept of psychological well-being, which also has a large influence in this field. Psychological well-being is the ability to reach the best possible level for various aspects in one's world, to strive for it, and to function in different aspects of life. Optimism has functional outcomes in terms of life satisfaction, happiness, positive-negative emotion, social well-being, stress, anxiety, depression, overstimulation, quality of life, and many other related variables. While studies on optimism and psychological well-being occupy an important place in literature, a very few studies exist in Türkiye. The aim of the current study is to compile studies that examine the relationships between these two concepts and present them to the experts in the field. Thus, it is expected that this research will increase the knowledge in the relevant literature and be a resource for researchers in positive psychology and other fields. The studies are discussed in the conclusion section and suggestions for future studies are provided.

Keywords

Optimism , Psychological Well-Being , Positive Psychology , Resilience , Review

Pozitif Psikoloji Perspektifinden İyimserlik ve Psikolojik İyi Oluş: Geleneksel Bir Derleme

Abstract

İyimserlik, gelecekte iyi şeylerin olacağına ve olumsuz durumların geçici veya kontrol edilebilir olduğuna dair olumlu bir düşünceyi ifade eder. Pozitif psikolojide önemli bir yere sahip olan bu kavram, yine bu alanda büyük bir etkiye sahip olan psikolojik iyi oluş kavramıyla yakından ilişkilidir. Psikolojik iyi oluş, kişinin dünyasındaki çeşitli yönler için mümkün olan en iyi düzeye ulaşma, bunun için çaba gösterme ve yaşamın farklı yönlerinde işlevde bulunma becerisidir. İyimserliğin; yaşam doyumu, mutluluk, pozitif-negatif duygu, sosyal iyi oluş, stres, kaygı, depresyon, aşırı uyarılmışlık, yaşam kalitesi ve daha birçok ilgili değişken açısından işlevsel sonuçları vardır. İyimserlik ve psikolojik iyi oluş ile ilgili çalışmalar literatürde önemli bir yer tutarken, Türkiye'de çok az sayıda çalışma bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, bu iki kavram arasındaki ilişkileri inceleyen çalışmaları derlemek ve alanın uzmanlarına sunmaktır. Böylece bu araştırmanın ilgili literatürdeki bilgi birikimini artırması ve pozitif psikoloji ve diğer alanlardaki araştırmacılar için bir kaynak olması beklenmektedir. Sonuç bölümünde yapılan çalışmalar tartışılmış ve gelecek çalışmalar için somut önerilerde bulunulmuştur.

Keywords

İyimserlik , Psikolojik İyi Oluş , Pozitif Psikoloji , Psikolojik Sağlamlık , İnceleme

References

• Akkaya-Kalayci, T., Kothgassner, O., Wenzel, T., Goreis, A., Chen, A., Çeri, V., … & Özlü-Erkilic, Z. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and psychological well-being of young people living in austria and Türkiye: a multicenter study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(23), 9111. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239111
• Alarcon, G. M., Bowling, N. A., & Khazon, S. (2013). Great expectations: A meta-analytic examination of optimism and hope. Personality and Individual Differences, 54(7), 821–827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2012.12.004
• Anuar, N. (2022). The relationship between mindfulness and psychological well-being. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(11). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v12-i11/14991
• Aspinwall, L. G., & Taylor, S. E. (1992). Modeling cognitive adaptation: A longitudinal investigation of the impact of individual differences and coping on college adjustment and performance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63(6), 989–1003. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.63.6.989
• Bakalım, O., & Karçkay, A. (2016). Friendship quality and psychological well-being: the mediating role of perceived social support. International Online Journal of Educational Sciences, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.15345/iojes.2016.04.001
• Baş, A., & Firat, N. (2017). The views and opinions of school principals and teachers on positive education. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 5(2), 85. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v5i2.1996
• Ben-Zur, H. (2003). Happy adolescents: The link between subjective well-being, internal resources, and parental factors. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 32(2), 67–79. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021864432505
• Carver, C. S., & Connor-Smith, J. (2010). Personality and coping. Annual Review of Psychology, 61, 679–704. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.093008.100352
• Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2002). Optimism. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (p. 231–243). Oxford University Press.
• Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2017). Optimism, coping, and well-being. In C. L. Cooper & J. C. Quick (Eds.), The handbook of stress and health: A guide to research and practice (p. 400–414). Wiley Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118993811.ch24
• Carver, C. S., Kus, L. A., & Scheier, M. F. (1994). Effects of good versus bad mood and optimistic versus pessimistic outlook on social acceptance versus rejection. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 13(2), 138–151. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.1994.13.2.138
• Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2010). Optimism. Clinical psychology review, 30(7), 879–889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.006
• Carver, C. S., Smith, R. G., Antoni, M. H., Petronis, V. M., Weiss, S., & Derhagopian, R. P. (2005). Optimistic personality and psychosocial well-being during treatment predict psychosocial well-being among long-term survivors of breast cancer. Health Psychology, 24(5), 508–516. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.24.5.508
• Chang, E. C., & Bridewell, W. B. (1998). Irrational beliefs, optimism, pessimism, and psychological distress: A preliminary examination of differential effects in a college population. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54(2), 137–142. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4679(199802)54:2<137::AID-JCLP2>3.0.CO;2-P
• Çekici, F. (2023). Ebeveynin çocuğunun duygusunu düzenlemesi ile çocuğun duygu düzenlemesi i̇lişkisinde psikolojik i̇yi oluşun aracı rolü. Cukurova University Faculty of Education Journal, 52(3), 800-818. https://doi.org/10.14812/cuefd.1185911
• Cinalioğlu, E. & Gazioğlu, E. (2022). Psychological well-being in emerging adulthood: the role of loneliness, social support, and sibling relationships in Türkiye. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth / Le Journal Canadien De Famille Et De La Jeunesse, 14(1), 102-123. https://doi.org/10.29173/cjfy29753
• Daukantaitė, D., & Zukauskiene, R. (2012). Optimism and subjective well-being: Affectivity plays a secondary role in the relationship between optimism and global life satisfaction in the middle-aged women. Longitudinal and cross-cultural findings. Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being, 13(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-010-9246-2
• Diener, E. (1984). Subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 95(3), 542–575. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.95.3.542
• Diener, E. (2000). Subjective well-being: The science of happiness and a proposal for a national index. American Psychologist, 55(1), 34–43. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.34
• Diener, E. (2009). Subjective well-being. In E. Diener (Ed.), The science of well-being: The collected works of Ed Diener (p. 11–58). Springer Science + Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2350-6_2
• Duy, B., & Yıldız, M. A. (2017). The mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between optimism and subjective well-being. Current Psychology: A Journal for Diverse Perspectives on Diverse Psychological Issues, 38(6), 1456–1463. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-017-9698-1
• Ergin, E., Yıldırım, D., Yıldız, C., & Üşenmez, S. (2022). The relationship between death anxiety with loneliness and psychological well-being in the elderly living in a nursing home. Omega. Journal of Death and Dying, 88(1), 333-346. https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228221106054
• Fasano, J., Shao, T., Huang, H. H., Kessler, A. J., Kolodka, O. P., & Shapiro, C. L. (2020). Optimism and coping: do they influence health outcomes in women with breast cancer? A systemic review and meta-analysis. Breast cancer research and treatment, 183(3), 495–501. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-020-05800-5
• Ferguson, S. J., & Goodwin, A. D. (2010). Optimism and well-being in older adults: The mediating role of social support and perceived control. The International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 71(1), 43–68. https://doi.org/10.2190/AG.71.1.c
• Finck, C., Barradas, S., Zenger, M., & Hinz, A. (2018). Quality of life in breast cancer patients: Associations with optimism and social support. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 18(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2017.11.002
• Forgeard, M. J. C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2012). Seeing the glass half full: A review of the causes and consequences of optimism. Pratiques Psychologiques, 18(2), 107–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prps.2012.02.002
• Friedman, L. C., Kalidas, M., Elledge, R., Chang, J., Romero, C., Husain, I., Dulay, M. F., & Liscum, K. R. (2006). Optimism, social support and psychosocial functioning among women with breast cancer. Psycho-oncology, 15(7), 595–603. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.992
• Gallagher, M. W., & Lopez, S. J. (2009). Positive expectancies and mental health: Identifying the unique contributions of hope and optimism. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(6), 548–556. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760903157166
• Gallagher, M. W., Long, L. J., & Phillips, C. A. (2019). Hope, optimism, self‐efficacy, and posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta‐analytic review of the protective effects of positive expectancies. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 76(3) doi:10.1002/jclp.22882
• Giltay, E. J., Zitman, F. G., & Kromhout, D. (2006). Dispositional optimism and the risk of depressive symptoms during 15 years of follow-up: the Zutphen Elderly Study. Journal of affective disorders, 91(1), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2005.12.027
• Gökalp, K., Çil, M., & Yayla, A. (2021). Vitamin D levels and psychological status in dialysis patient. Middle Black Sea Journal of Health Science, 7(3), 328-333. https://doi.org/10.19127/mbsjohs.969964
• Göçen, A. (2019). Teachers’ life meaning, psychological capital, and gender’s effect on their psychological well-being. Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education. 8(1), 135-153. https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.457977
• Green, B. N., Johnson, C. D., & Adams, A. (2006). Writing narrative literature reviews for peer-reviewed journals: secrets of the trade. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 5(3), 101–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60142-6
• He, F., Cao, R., Feng, Z., Guan, H., & Peng, J. (2013). The impacts of dispositional optimism and psychological resilience on the subjective well-being of burn patients: A structural equation modelling analysis. PloS One, 8(12), e82939. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0082939
• Ho, H. (2015). Elderly volunteering and psychological well-being. International Social Work, 60(4), 1028-1038. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872815595111
• Ho, M. Y., Cheung, F. M., & Cheung, S. F. (2010). The role of meaning in life and optimism in promoting well-being. Personality and Individual Differences, 48(5), 658–663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.01.008
• Horney, D. J., Smith, H. E., McGurk, M., Weinman, J., Herold, J., Altman, K., & Llewellyn, C. D. (2011). Associations between quality of life, coping styles, optimism, and anxiety and depression in pretreatment patients with head and neck cancer. Head & neck, 33(1), 65–71. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.21407
• Ju, H., Shin, J. W., Kim, C. W., Hyun, M. H., & Park, J. W. (2013). Mediational effect of meaning in life on the relationship between optimism and well-being in community elderly. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 56(2), 309-313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2012.08.008
• Karademas, E. C. (2007). Positive and negative aspects of well-being: Common and specific predictors. Personality and Individual Differences, 43(2), 277-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.11.031
• Kardaş, F., Çam, Z., Eşkisu, M., & Geli̇bolu, S. (2019). Gratitude, hope, optimism and life satisfaction as predictors of psychological well-being. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 19(82), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.14689/ejer.2019.82.5
• Kasapoğlu, K. & Didin, M. (2022). Life skills as a predictor of psychological well-being among preservice preschool teachers in Türkiye. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 6(1), 70-85. https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.544232
• Kleiman, E. M., Chiara, A. M., Liu, R. T., Jager-Hyman, S. G., Choi, J. Y., & Alloy, L. B. (2015). Optimism and well-being: a prospective multi-method and multi-dimensional examination of optimism as a resilience factor following the occurrence of stressful life events. Cognition and Emotion, 31(2), 269–283. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2015.1108284
• Kraai, I. H., Vermeulen, K. M., Hillege, H. L., Jaarsma, T., & Hoekstra, T. (2018). Optimism and quality of life in patients with heart failure. Palliative & Supportive Care, 16(6), 725-731. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951517001055
• Krok, D., & Telka, E. (2019). Optimism mediates the relationships between meaning in life and subjective and psychological well-being among late adolescents. Current Issues in Personality Psychology, 7(1), 32–42. https://doi.org/10.5114/cipp.2018.79960
• Lazarus, R., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer.
• Leung, B. W.-C., Moneta, G. B., & McBride-Chang, C. (2005). Think positively and feel positively: Optimism and life satisfaction in late life. The International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 61(4), 335–365. https://doi.org/10.2190/FQTB-EBAJ-H9WP-LMYA
• Lyubomirsky, S., Tkach, C., & DiMatteo, M. R. (2005). What are the differences between happiness and self-esteem. Social Indicators Research, 78(3), 363–404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-005-0213-y
• Marton, G., Monzani, D., Vergani, L., Pizzoli, S. F. M., & Pravettoni, G. (2022). “Optimism is a strategy for making a better future”: A systematic review on the associations of dispositional optimism with health-related quality of life in cancer patients. European Psychologist, 27(1), 41–61. https://doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000422
• Mazanec, S. R., Daly, B. J., Douglas, S. L., & Lipson, A. R. (2010). The relationship between optimism and quality of life in newly diagnosed cancer patients. Cancer Nursing, 33(3), 235–243. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0b013e3181c7fa80
• Meral, B., Wehmeyer, M., Cinisli, N., & Yılmaz, E. (2021). The positive psychology constructs of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Türkiye. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 65(7), 638-654. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12839
• Nes, L. S. (2016). Optimism, pessimism, and stress. In G. Fink (Ed.), Stress: Concepts, cognition, emotion, and behavior (pp. 405–411). Elsevier Academic Press.
• Nes, L. S., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2006). Dispositional optimism and coping: A meta-analytic review. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(3), 235–251. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327957pspr1003_3
• Nurmi, J.-E., Toivonen, S., Salmela-Aro, K., & Eronen, S. (1996). Optimistic, approach-oriented, and avoidance strategies in social situations: Three studies on loneliness and peer relationships. European Journal of Personality, 10(3), 201–219. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0984(199609)10:3<201::AID-PER257>3.0.CO;2-#
• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (1984). Causal explanations as a risk factor for depression: Theory and evidence. Psychological Review, 91(3), 347-374. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.91.3.347
• Powell, M., Olsen, K., & Thompson, W. (2023). Passion, music, and psychological well-being. Musicae Scientiae, 28(1), 39-57. https://doi.org/10.1177/10298649231157404
• Prati, G., & Pietrantoni, L. (2009). Optimism, social support, and coping strategies as factors contributing to posttraumatic growth: A meta-analysis. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 14(5), 364–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325020902724271
• Rincón Uribe, F. A., Neira Espejo, C. A., & Pedroso, J. d. S. (2021). The role of optimism in adolescent mental health: A systematic review. Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-021-00425-x
• Robinson-Whelen, S., Kim, C., MacCallum, R. C., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (1997). Distinguishing optimism from pessimism in older adults: Is it more important to be optimistic or not to be pessimistic? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(6), 1345–1353. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.73.6.1345
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141–166. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.141
• Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1069–1081. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.57.6.1069
• Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. H. (2008). Know thyself and become what you are: A eudaimonic approach to psychological well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being, 9(1), 13–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-006-9019-0
• Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1985). Optimism, coping, and health: Assessment and implications of generalized outcome expectancies. Health Psychology, 4(3), 219–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.4.3.219
• Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1992). Effects of optimism on psychological and physical well-being: Theoretical overview and empirical update. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 16(2), 201–228. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173489
• Schou, I., Ekeberg, Ø., Sandvik, L., Hjermstad, M. J., & Ruland, C. M. (2005). Multiple predictors of health-related quality of life in early stage breast cancer. Data from a year follow-up study compared with the general population. Quality of Life Research: An International Journal of Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care & Rehabilitation, 14(8), 1813–1823. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-005-4344-z
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2019). Öğrenilmiş iyimserlik (2nd ed.). (S. Kunt-Akbaş, Trans.). HYB Yayınları (Original work published 2006).
• Sulkers, E., Fleer, J., Brinksma, A., Roodbol, P. F., Kamps, W. A., Tissing, W. J., & Sanderman, R. (2013). Dispositional optimism in adolescents with cancer: differential associations of optimism and pessimism with positive and negative aspects of well-being. British journal of health psychology, 18(3), 474–489. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02096.x
• Suls, J., & Fletcher, B. (1985). The relative efficacy of avoidant and nonavoidant coping strategies: A meta-analysis. Health Psychology, 4(3), 249–288. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.4.3.249
• Şimşek, H. (2024). Investigation of the relationship between psychological well-being and problem solving skills of faculty of health sciences students. Togü Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 4(2), 179-191. https://doi.org/10.52369/togusagbilderg.1372152
• Taubman-Ben-Ari, O., & Weintroub, A. (2008). Meaning in life and personal growth among pediatric physicians and nurses. Death Studies, 32(7), 621–645. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481180802215627
• Taylor, Z. E., Larsen-Rife, D., Conger, R. D., Widaman, K. F., & Cutrona, C. E. (2010). Life stress, maternal optimism, and adolescent competence in single mother, African American families. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(4), 468-477. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019870
• Taylor, Z. E., Widaman, K. F., Robins, R. W., Jochem, R., Early, D. R., & Conger, R. D. (2012). Dispositional optimism: A psychological resource for Mexican-origin mothers experiencing economic stress. Journal of Family Psychology, 26(1), 133-139. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026755
• Tomakowsky, J., Lumley, M., Markowitz, N., & Frank, C. (2001). Optimistic explanatory style and dispositional optimism in HIV-infected men. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 51, 577–587.
• Trunzo, J. J., & Pinto, B. M. (2003). Social support as a mediator of optimism and distress in breast cancer survivors. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 71(4), 805–811. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.71.4.805
• Tusaie, K., Puskar, K., & Sereika, S. M. (2007). A predictive and moderating model of psychosocial resilience in adolescents. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 39(1), 54–60. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1547-5069.2007.00143.x
• Uğurlu, O. (2011). Genel ve zihinsel sağlığın yordayıcıları olarak iyimserlik ve karamsarlık. Çankaya University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 8(1), 81-90.
• van der Velden, P. G., Kleber, R. J., Fournier, M., Grievink, L., Drogendijk, A., & Gersons, B. P. R. (2007). The association between dispositional optimism and mental health problems among disaster victims and a comparison group: A prospective study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 102(1-3), 35–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2006.12.004
• Weiss, L., Westerhof, G., & Bohlmeijer, E. (2016). Can we increase psychological well-being? the effects of interventions on psychological well-being: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Plos One, 11(6), e0158092. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0158092
• Winterling, J., Glimelius, B., & Nordin, K. (2008). The importance of expectations on the recovery period after cancer treatment. Psycho-Oncology, 17(2), 190-198. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1216
• World Health Organization. (1948). Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization, as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, pp. 19-22 (June 1946): signed on 22 July 1946 by the Representatives of 61 States, (Official Records of the World Health Organization, No. 2 p. 100) and Enterd into Force on 7 April 1948.
• Wrosch, C., & Scheier, M. F. (2003). Personality and quality of life: The importance of optimism and goal adjustment. Quality of Life Research: An International Journal of Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care & Rehabilitation, 12(1), 59–72. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023529606137
• Yayla, A. and İlgin, V. (2021). The relationship of nurses’ psychological well‐being with their coronaphobia and work–life balance during the covid‐19 pandemic: a cross‐sectional study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(21-22), 3153-3162. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15783
• Yeşi̇ltepe, A., Sayar, S., & Çal, A. (2021). Investigation of the effect of the life satisfaction and psychological well‐being of nursing students on their happiness levels. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 58(2), 541-548. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.13012
• Yu, Y., & Luo, J. (2018). Dispositional optimism and well-being in college students: Self-efficacy as a mediator. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 46(5), 783–792. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.6746
• Zenger, M., Brix, C., Borowski, J., Stolzenburg, J.-U., & Hinz, A. (2010). The impact of optimism on anxiety, depression and quality of life in urogenital cancer patients. Psycho-Oncology, 19(8), 879–886. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1635
• Zenger, M., Glaesmer, H., Hockel, M., & Hinz, A. (2011). Pessimism predicts anxiety, depression and quality of life in female cancer patients. Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, 41(1), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1093/jjco/hyq168