2. There are 3 distinct areas of differences between optimists and pessimists:
Selective attention: Optimists pay less attention to negative events.
Locus of Control: Optimists believe that they have the power to influence situations, events and relationships.
Explanatory Style: When good things happen, optimists explain using more personalised, permanent & pervasive beliefs. The opposite takes place when bad things happen.
3. Strategies to build stronger optimism and resilience:
Drive Selective attention to Positives:
- Point attention to positives along the way to success
- Track growth and look back to see progress
- Express gratitude
Develop Internal Locus of Control:
- Be mindful of over-parenting; Allow children to make choices.
- Support teens in developing responsible choice-making.
- Increase self-efficacy through strengthening motor skills, self-help skills, cognitive skills, social skills
Develop Healthier Explanatory Styles:
- Listen to yourself and your child. Be watchful of and correct inaccurate or unhelpful thoughts.
- Teach children to think more helpful thoughts.
