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When optimism means lower cognitive abilities: A new study
03.12.2023 20:30
Updated: 06.11.2024 09:43
People always try staying positive and keep their optimistic thinking, but it seems not to be the best idea.
A new study shows that optimistic thinking can sometimes be tied to poor decision-making processes and cognitive skills.
Let's find out more about how it works.
It's not always great
Optimistic thinking, often seen as the key to happiness, has drawbacks, according to research from the University of Bath.
Excessive optimism is linked to lower cognitive skills such as verbal fluency, reasoning, numerical ability, and memory.
People with higher cognitive ability tend to be more realistic and pessimistic about the future.
Dr. Chris Dawson from the University's School of Management noted that those with low cognitive ability display more self-flattering biases, deluding themselves to some extent.
Why it's important to know
While humans may be naturally inclined to expect the best, those with high cognitive ability can override this response, making better decisions.
Financial decisions, such as employment, investments, and savings, are particularly affected, leading to excessive consumption, debt, and failed business ventures.
Dawson suggests that revisiting the unquestioned belief in "positive thinking" could be healthy.
