Scientists question link between optimism, positive health outcomes.

In a Health column in the Washington Post (1/12), Carolyn Butler analyzes a study published in the journal Circulation which "showed that a sunnier outlook on life is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and mortality." The eight-year study "found that optimists were nine percent less likely to develop heart disease and 14 percent less likely to die from any cause than their pessimistic counterparts." According to one professor, the finding "is really consistent with a number of other studies in the past. ... There is good evidence to suggest optimism is protective and that pessimism seems to be detrimental, when it comes to the development of disease and future outcomes" But, scientists note that there is little evidence suggesting why this link exists.