ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the recognition that optimism is one of the most fundamental concepts in psychology, which has been used to draw the boundaries between normal and abnormal psychological patterns. The examination of what constitutes mental health, and the centrality of optimism in demarcating the boundaries between healthy and unhealthy functioning, has prompted further research into optimism. The research on optimism originated from the psychology of expectancies, and is therefore linked to the exploration of estimations, predictions, and to goal-directed behaviours, such as decision making and planning. While M. E. Seligman and his colleagues argued that optimism is malleable, M. F. Scheier and C. S. Carver described dispositional optimism as a personality trait, and argued that it is fairly stable. Research has revealed that optimism and hope promote achievements in a variety of life domains, including education, work and career, finance and sports.
