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Happiness & Life Satisfaction
Optimism
This study explores how childhood experiences, personal traits, and social environments shape levels of optimism in adulthood. Using data from 200,000 people across 22 countries, we’ll examine 16 childhood predictors and how their influence may vary across cultural contexts. The findings will offer insights to inform efforts that support positive mental outlooks later in life.
Researchers
Ying Chen
Harvard University, Epidemiology
Hayami Koga
Harvard University, Epidemiology
Laura D. Kubzansky
Harvard University, Professor/ Director of the Society and Health Laboratory at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Eric Kim
University of British Columbia, Psychology
Byron R. Johnson
Baylor University, Institute for Studies of Religion/Sociology
Tyler VanderWeele
Harvard University, Epidemiology / Biostatistics
Koichiro Shiba
Boston University, Epidemiology
The Question:
Overall, do you expect more good things to happen to you than bad?