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How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

Start with a question
Write your initial answer
Develop your answer
Refine your thesis statement

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What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

Why you hold this position
What they’ll learn from your essay
The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

It gives your writing direction and focus.
It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

Ask a question about your topic .
Write your initial answer.
Develop your answer by including reasons.
Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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Essay on Optimism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Optimism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Optimism

Understanding optimism.

Optimism is a hopeful outlook towards life. It is choosing to see the bright side of things and expecting the best possible outcome.

The Power of Optimism

Optimism can boost our mood and motivation. It helps us to persevere and overcome challenges. Optimistic people are happier, healthier, and more successful.

Practicing Optimism

We can practice optimism by focusing on positive thoughts, expressing gratitude, and staying hopeful. Remember, even in tough times, there’s always something good to look forward to.

Also check:

Speech on Optimism

250 Words Essay on Optimism

The concept of optimism, a mental attitude reflecting a belief or hope that the outcome of specific endeavors will be positive, is not just a mindset but a powerful tool that shapes our perception of the world. It is a beacon of light in the face of adversity, a guiding principle that encourages resilience and perseverance.

Optimism and Psychological Well-being

Optimism plays a pivotal role in psychological well-being. It is closely linked to mental health, as it can reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. Optimists tend to see challenges as temporary hurdles, not as insurmountable obstacles. This positive outlook enables them to maintain a healthier psychological state, even in the face of adversity.

Optimism and Physical Health

Not only does optimism impact mental health, but it also has profound effects on physical well-being. Studies show that optimists generally have better cardiovascular health and stronger immune systems. They are less likely to succumb to chronic diseases and have a higher life expectancy. Their positive outlook motivates them to maintain a healthier lifestyle, thus contributing to improved physical health.

Optimism: A Catalyst for Success

In the realm of success, optimism acts as a catalyst. It encourages risk-taking, fosters resilience, and promotes a growth mindset. Optimists view failures as learning opportunities, not as a reflection of their abilities. This outlook cultivates an environment of innovation and progress, leading to greater personal and professional success.

In conclusion, optimism is not just a positive attitude but a life-enhancing tool. It is a testament to the power of the human mind and its ability to shape our reality. By embracing optimism, we can improve our mental and physical health, foster resilience, and pave the way for success.

500 Words Essay on Optimism

Introduction.

Optimism, a term derived from the Latin word “optimum,” is a psychological attribute that reflects an individual’s positive perspective towards life. It is the tendency to perceive the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. This essay explores the concept of optimism, its implications, benefits, and the role it plays in shaping our lives.

The Concept of Optimism

Optimism is a cognitive characteristic that inclines individuals to expect positive outcomes, even in the face of adversity. It is a crucial element in human resilience and a key factor in overcoming challenges. Optimists perceive setbacks as temporary and manageable, rather than insurmountable obstacles. They believe in their ability to influence events and outcomes, fostering a sense of self-efficacy.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking, a cornerstone of optimism, is not about ignoring life’s less pleasant situations. Instead, it involves approaching these circumstances with a positive and productive mindset. Optimists believe they can navigate through difficulties and find solutions. This perspective can significantly impact our physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Implications of Optimism

Optimism has profound implications for various aspects of life. It is associated with better health outcomes, increased longevity, higher levels of happiness, and improved coping skills. Optimists tend to have stronger immune systems, lower levels of stress and depression, and higher overall well-being. Furthermore, optimism can enhance academic and professional performance by fostering persistence, engagement, and a proactive attitude.

Optimism and Resilience

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is closely linked with optimism. Optimists are more likely to exhibit resilience because they view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats. They are better equipped to cope with stress, maintain a positive outlook during tough times, and recover more quickly from traumatic events.

Optimism: A Skill to be Cultivated

While some people may naturally have a more optimistic outlook, optimism can also be nurtured and developed. Cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and gratitude exercises can help cultivate optimism. The key is to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive, constructive ones.

In conclusion, optimism is a powerful psychological attribute that can significantly influence our life experiences. It is not merely a passive expectation of positive outcomes but an active engagement in life, fostering resilience, enhancing well-being, and promoting success. As we navigate through the complexities of life, cultivating an optimistic outlook can serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path to personal growth and fulfillment.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Online Shopping
Essay on Odysseus
Essay on Ocean Pollution

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

28 Optimism

Charles S. Carver, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida

Michael F. Scheier, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Daniel Fulford, Department of Psychology, University of Miami.

Published: 18 September 2012
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Optimism is expecting good things to occur in one's life. Such positive expectations are associated with higher subjective well-being, even under conditions of stress or adversity. In contrast, pessimists respond to adversity with more intense negative feelings. There are also differences in the manner in which optimists and pessimists try to cope with adversity. Optimists tend to put the best face on the adversity, but they acknowledge its existence and its importance, and they try to do as much as possible to resolve whatever problems can be resolved. Pessimists are more likely to distance themselves from the problem and put off doing anything about it as long as possible. They are also more likely to give up trying, if things remain difficult. Some kinds of problem solution is proactive, engaged in before the problem arises. Optimists also tend to engage in such proactive efforts, including taking actions to minimize various kinds of health risks. Perhaps, as a consequence of these preventive steps, optimists also tend to have better health than pessimists. They seem to heal faster from wounds, and there is some evidence that when they are seriously ill they experience slower disease progression. It has been suggested that optimists sometimes are no better off than pessimists, and sometimes are worse off: that their confidence can get them into situations where it is difficult to cope effectively. Evidence of such negative effects of optimism does exist, but it is relatively sparse.

Optimists are people who expect good things to happen; pessimists are people who expect bad things to happen. Folk wisdom has long held that this difference among people is important in many aspects of living. In this case, folk wisdom appears to be right. Optimists and pessimists differ in ways that have a big impact on their lives. They differ in how they approach problems, and they differ in the manner—and the success—with which they cope with adversity.

Scientific definitions of optimism and pessimism focus on expectations for the future, linking these ideas to a long line of expectancy-value models of motivation. Expectancy-value theories assume that behavior reflects the pursuit of goals: desired states or actions. People try to fit their behaviors to what they see as desirable. The more important is a goal to the person, the greater is its “value” (for more discussion see Austin & Vancouver, 1996 ; Carver & Scheier, 1998 ). The second element is “expectancy”—confidence that the goal can be attained. If people doubt the goal can be reached, efforts toward it may sag even before the action starts. People confident about an eventual outcome will persevere even in the face of great adversity.

Optimism and pessimism are broad versions of confidence or doubt, pertaining to most situations in life rather than just one or two. Thus, optimists should tend to be confident and persistent in the face of challenge (even if progress is difficult or slow). Pessimists should be doubtful and hesitant in these same situations. Such differences in how people confront adversity have implications for ways people cope with stress (Scheier & Carver, 1992 ).

There are two ways to think about expectancies and how to measure them. One is to measure them directly, asking people whether they think their outcomes will be good or bad (Scheier & Carver, 1992 ). That is the approach taken here. It adds no more complexity to what we've said so far. Generalized expectancies—expectancies pertaining to the person's entire life space—are what we mean by “optimism” and “pessimism.” It is measured by the Life Orientation Test-Revised, or LOT-R (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994 —see Appendix ). The LOT-R gives a continuous distribution of scores. Although we often refer to optimists and pessimists as though they were distinct groups, this is a verbal convenience. People actually range from very optimistic to very pessimistic, with most falling somewhere in between.

Another approach relies on the idea that people's expectancies for the future stem from their interpretations of the past (Peterson & Seligman, 1984 , chap. 29). If past failures are interpreted as reflecting stable causes, expectancies will be pessimistic because the cause (relatively permanent) is likely to remain in force. If past failures are seen as reflecting unstable causes, the outlook for the future may be brighter because the cause may no longer be there. Some define optimism and pessimism in this way (Peterson & Seligman, 1984 ). This view differs from ours in important ways, but both share the theme that expectations for the future affect people's actions and experiences.

In this chapter, we describe some ways individual differences in optimism, measured as expectations for one's future, relate to variations in other important aspects of life. These aspects are grouped here in three sets: subjective well-being, coping responses, and physical well-being.

Optimism and Subjective Well-Being

One influence of optimism and pessimism is on how people feel when facing problems. When people face difficulty, the emotions they experience range from excitement and eagerness to anger, anxiety, and depression. The balance among feelings relates to variations in optimism. Optimists expect good outcomes, even when things are hard. This should yield a relatively positive mix of feelings. Pessimists expect bad outcomes. This should yield more negative feelings—anxiety, anger, sadness, or despair (Carver & Scheier, 1998 ; Scheier & Carver, 1992 ).

Relations between optimism and distress have been examined in people facing diverse difficulties. These include students entering college (Aspinwall & Taylor, 1992 ; Brissette, Scheier, & Carver, 2002 ); survivors of missile attacks (Zeidner & Hammer, 1992 ) ; people caring for cancer patients (Given et al., 1993 ) or Alzheimer's patients (Hooker, Monahan, Shifren, & Hutchinson, 1992 ; Shifren & Hooker, 1995 ); and people dealing with childbirth (Carver & Gaines, 1987 ), coronary artery bypass surgery (Fitzgerald, Tennen, Affleck, & Pransky, 1993 ; Scheier et al., 1989 ), aging (Giltay, Zitman, & Kromhout, 2006 ), failed attempts at in vitro fertilization (Litt, Tennen, Affleck, & Klock, 1992 ), bone marrow transplantation (Curbow, Somerfield, Baker, Wingard, & Legro, 1993 ), cancer (Carver et al., 1993 ; Friedman et al., 1992 ), and the progression of AIDS (Taylor et al., 1992 ).

These studies vary in complexity and thus what they can show. Researchers sometimes examine responses to an adverse event, but at only one time point. Such studies show that pessimists experience more distress afterward than optimists. What they can not show is whether pessimists had more distress even beforehand. Other studies assess people at multiple times. This gives a better picture of how distress shifts over circumstances. It also allows researchers to control for initial levels of distress. We focus here on this sort of study.

A very early study of optimism and emotional well-being (Carver & Gaines, 1987 ) examined the development of depressed feelings after childbirth. Women completed the LOT and a depression scale in the last third of their pregnancy. They completed the depression measure again 3 weeks after delivery. Optimism related to lower depression symptoms at initial assessment, and optimism predicted lower depression postpartum, controlling for the initial levels. Thus, optimism conferred resistance to post-partum depressive symptoms.

Several studies have examined people dealing with coronary artery bypass. One assessed people 1 month before surgery and 8 months afterward (Fitzgerald et al., 1993 ). Optimists had less presurgical distress, and (controlling for presurgical life satisfaction) optimists had more postsurgical life satisfaction. Analysis suggested that optimism about life funneled into a specific optimism about the surgery, and from there to satisfaction with life. A similar study by Scheier and colleagues ( 1989 ) found that optimists retained higher quality of life even up to 5 years after the surgery.

Optimism has also been studied in the context of other health crises. An example is treatment for breast cancer (Carver et al., 1993 ). Patients were interviewed at diagnosis, the day before surgery, a few days after surgery, and 3, 6, and 12 months later. Optimism (at initial assessment) predicted less distress over time, controlling for effects of medical variables and earlier distress. Thus, optimism predicted not just lower initial distress but also resilience against distress during the following year. A study of head and neck cancer patients yielded similar results (Allison, Guichard, & Gilain, 2000 ). Patients were assessed before treatment and 3 months afterward. Optimists reported higher quality of life before treatment and also posttreatment controlling for initial ratings.

Another medical context in which optimism has been studied is in vitro fertilization, a procedure that lets people overcome fertility problems. This study focused on people whose attempts at vitro fertilization were unsuccessful (Litt et al., 1992 ). Eight weeks beforehand, the researchers measured optimism, expectancies for fertilization success, distress, and the impact of infertility on participants' lives. Two weeks after notification of a negative pregnancy test, distress was measured again. None of the initial variables predicted follow-up distress (controlling for time-1 distress) except for pessimism.

Not only does optimism have a positive effect on the psychological well-being of people dealing with medical conditions, but it also influences well-being among caregivers. One project studied a group of cancer patients and their caregivers (Given et al., 1993 ). Caregivers' optimism predicted less depression and less impact of caregiving on their physical health. Similar results were found in research on caregiver spouses of Alzheimer's patients (Hooker et al., 1992 ; Shifren & Hooker, 1995 ): Optimism related to lower depression and greater well-being.

Other studies have looked at events that are difficult, but less extreme. For example, the start of college is a stressful time, and studies have examined students adjusting to their first semester of college (Aspinwall & Taylor, 1992 ; Brissette et al., 2002 ). Optimism and other variables were assessed when the students first arrived on campus. Measures of well-being were obtained at the end of the semester. Higher initial optimism predicted less distress at the end of the semester and greater development of friendship networks.

Optimism, Pessimism, and Coping

If optimists experience less distress than pessimists when dealing with difficulties, is it just because optimists are cheerful? Apparently not, because the differences often remain even when statistical controls are included for prior distress. There must be other explanations. In this section, we consider one of them: the coping strategies optimists and pessimists use. In many ways, this is just a more detailed depiction of the broad behavioral tendencies discussed at the outset. That is, people who are confident about the future continue trying, even when it's hard. People who are doubtful try to escape the adversity by wishful thinking, employ temporary distractions that don't help solve the problem, and sometimes even stop trying.

Such differences in coping have emerged in several studies. Early projects found that optimistic students reported both situational coping responses and general coping styles that differed from those of pessimists (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 2001 ). Optimism related to problem-focused coping, especially in controllable situations. Optimism also related to positive reframing and a tendency to accept the situation's reality. Optimism related to less denial and less of an attempt to distance oneself from the problem. Thus, optimists appear generally to be approach copers, and pessimists appear to be avoidant copers.

Other projects have studied coping strategies in specific contexts. Several studies described earlier also looked at coping. In their study of coronary artery bypass surgery, Scheier et al. ( 1989 ) assessed attentional-cognitive strategies as ways of dealing with the experience. Before surgery, optimists more than pessimists reported making plans for their future and setting goals for recovery. Optimists also focused less on negative aspects of the experience— distress and symptoms. Once surgery was past, optimists were more likely than pessimists to report seeking out information about what the physician would require of them in the months ahead. Optimists also were less likely to say they were suppressing thoughts about their symptoms. There was also evidence that the positive impact of optimism on quality of life 6 months later occurred through the indirect effect of these differences in coping.

The study of failed in vitro fertilization described earlier (Litt et al., 1992 ) also examined coping. Pessimism related to escape as a coping response. Escape, in turn, led to more distress after the fertilization failure. Optimists were also more likely than pessimists to report feeling they had benefited from the experience, for example, by becoming closer to their spouse.

Information on coping also comes from the study of AIDS patients described earlier (Taylor et al., 1992 ). Optimism predicted positive attitudes and tendencies to plan for recovery, seek information, and reframe bad situations more positively. Optimists used less fatalism, self-blame, and escapism, and they didn't focus on negative aspects of the situation or try to suppress thoughts about their symptoms. Optimists also appeared to accept unchangeable situations rather than trying to escape them.

Relations between optimism and coping have also been the focus of studies of cancer patients. Stanton and Snider ( 1993 ) found that pessimistic women used more cognitive avoidance in coping with an upcoming biopsy than optimists. The avoidance appeared to mediate the relation of pessimism to prebiopsy distress. Cognitive avoidance prebiopsy also predicted postbiopsy distress among women with positive diagnoses.

Another study of cancer patients, mentioned earlier, examined how women coped with treatment for breast cancer during the first year (Carver et al., 1993 ). Both before and after surgery, optimism related to coping that involved accepting the reality of the situation, placing as positive a light on it as possible, and trying to relieve the situation with humor. Pessimism related to denial and giving-up tendencies at each time point. The coping responses related to optimism and pessimism also related to distress. Further analyses revealed that the effect of optimism on distress was largely indirect through coping, particularly postsurgery.

Another study also examined the role of coping in women treated for breast cancer (Schou, Ekeberg, & Ruland, 2005 ). Two coping strategies mediated the relationship between optimism and pessimism and quality of life 1 year after diagnosis. The greater fighting spirit of optimists (assessed before diagnosis) predicted better quality of life at the 1-year follow-up. Hopelessness/helplessness (reported by pessimists) predicted poorer quality of life.

In sum, it appears that optimists differ from pessimists both in stable coping tendencies and in the coping responses generated when confronting stressful situations (for detailed review see Solberg Nes & Segerstrom, 2006 ). In general, optimists use more problem-focused coping strategies than pessimists. When problem-focused coping is not a possibility, optimists turn to strategies such as acceptance, use of humor, and positive reframing. Pessimists tend to cope through overt denial and by mentally and behaviorally disengaging from the goals with which the stressor is interfering.

Particularly noteworthy is the contrast between acceptance and active denial. Denial (refusing to accept the reality of the situation) means trying to maintain a worldview that no longer is valid. Acceptance implies restructuring one's experience to come to grips with the situation. This does not mean accepting and giving up. That reaction does not help. In fact, reacting to illness with resignation may actually hasten death (Greer, Morris, Pettingale, & Haybittle, 1990 ; Reed, Kemeny, Taylor, Wang, & Visscher, 1994 ). Acceptance of the diagnosis has very different consequences. By accepting that life is compromised (but not over), people develop adaptive parameters within which to live the time that's left. Acceptance may actually serve the purpose of keeping the person goal engaged, and indeed “life engaged” (Scheier & Carver, 2001 ).

Promoting Well-Being

Another coping difference concerns proactive coping, processes that promote good health and well-being rather than just reacting to adversity. Perhaps, optimists take active steps to ensure positive outcomes in their future. This would resemble problem-focused coping, except that no stressor yet exists.

There are many ways in which this might occur. One of them is seeking knowledge. One study investigated heart attack-related knowledge in a group of middle-aged adults. One might think that adults who are optimistic about their health might not make much effort to learn about risks related to heart attacks. Those high in dispositional optimism, however, actually knew more about the risk factors than those who were less optimistic (Radcliffe & Klein, 2002 ).

Proactive efforts in health promotion have also been examined among patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program (Shepperd, Maroto, & Pbert, 1996 ). Optimism related to success in lowering levels of saturated fat, body fat, and an index of overall coronary risk. Optimism also related to increases in exercise. Another study of the lifestyles of coronary artery bypass patients 5 years after surgery found optimists more likely than pessimists to be taking vitamins, eating low-fat foods, and to be enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program (Scheier & Carver, 1992 ).

Another proactive health-related behavior concerns HIV risk. By avoiding certain sexual practices (e.g., sex with unknown partners), people reduce risk of infection. One study of HIV-negative gay men found that optimists reported fewer anonymous sexual partners than pessimists (Taylor et al., 1992 ). This suggests that optimists were making efforts to reduce their risk, safeguarding their health.

Optimists appear to take action to minimize health risks. They do not simply stick their heads in the sand and ignore threats to well-being. They attend to risks, but do so selectively. They focus on risks that are applicable to them and relate to potentially serious health problems (Aspinwall & Brunhart, 1996 ). If the potential health problem is minor, or if it is unlikely to bear on them, their vigilance is not elevated. Optimists appear to scan their surroundings for threats to well-being but save their behavioral responses for threats that are truly meaningful.

Pessimism and Health-Defeating Behaviors

We characterized optimists throughout this discussion as persistent in trying to reach goals. Theory suggests that pessimists are less persistent and more likely to give up. There is, in fact, evidence of giving-up tendencies among pessimists, with bad consequences. For example, giving up may underlie various forms of substance abuse, such as excessive alcohol use, which is often seen as an escape from problems. This suggests that pessimists should be more vulnerable than optimists to such maladaptive behavior. Evidence supports this reasoning.

One study of women with a family history of alcoholism found that pessimists in that group were more likely than optimists to report drinking problems (Ohannessian, Hesselbrock, Tennen, & Affleck, 1993 ). In another study, people who had been treated for alcohol abuse were followed as they entered an aftercare program. Pessimists were more likely to drop out of that program and to return to drinking than optimists (Strack, Carver, & Blaney, 1987 ). Yet another study (Park, Moore, Turner, & Adler, 1997 ) found that optimistic pregnant women were less likely to engage in substance abuse during the course of their pregnancies.

A more recent study examined a different indicator of giving up: the disruption of normal social activities. Breast cancer patients reported illness-related disruption of social activities after treatment (Carver, Lehman, & Antoni, 2003 ). At each assessment, pessimism predicted more disruption, along with emotional distress and fatigue. When confronted with a health threat, pessimism led to a withdrawal from the very social activities that are important to a normal life.

Giving up can be reflected in many ways. Alcohol dulls awareness of failures and problems. People can ignore problems by distracting themselves with other activities. Sometimes, though, giving up is more complete. Sometimes people give up not just on specific goals, but on their lives, by suicide. Some are more vulnerable to suicide than others. It is commonly assumed that depression is the best indicator of suicide risk. But pessimism is actually a stronger predictor of this act, the ultimate disengagement from life (Beck, Steer, Kovacs, & Garrison, 1985 ).

In sum, a sizable body of evidence indicates that pessimism can lead people into self-defeating patterns. The result can be less persistence, more avoidance coping, health-damaging behavior, and potentially even an impulse to escape from life altogether. Without confidence about the future, there may be nothing to sustain life.

Optimism and Physical Well-Being

There is also some research linking optimism to physical well-being. In one such study, middle-aged women were tested for carotid intima thickness—an index of atherosclerosis in the carotid artery—at a baseline and a 3-year follow-up (Matthews, Raikkonen, Sutton-Tyrrell, & Kuller, 2004 ). Pessimism at the initial assessment predicted increases in intima thickness at follow-up. Optimists experienced almost no increase over the 3-year period.

In another project, Scheier and colleagues ( 1999 ) examined patterns of rehospitalization after coronary artery bypass surgery. The need for rehospitalization is very common in this population, but optimism significantly predicted lower likelihood of that occurring and a longer time before it occurred. Ironson and colleagues ( 2005 ) tested prospective links between optimism, coping, and disease progression among persons with HIV. Optimists displayed more proactive coping, less avoidant coping, and less disease progression.

Individual differences in healing and immunity have also been examined. In one study, men receiving a biopsy were followed throughout the healing process (Ebrecht et al., 2004 ). The sample was split into “slow healing” and “fast healing” groups. Slow healers had significantly lower optimism than the fast healers. In another study, older adults received an influenza vaccine, and optimism predicted a significantly better immune response 2 weeks later (Kohut, Cooper, Nickolaus, Russell, & Cunnick, 2002 ; for broader review of optimism and immunity, see Szondy, 2004 ). Other research has found, however, that optimism related to lower immune response under very high challenge (Segerstrom, 2006 ).

Research to date suggests that optimism and pessimism are psychological constructs that are relevant to biological outcomes, though the evidence on these outcomes is less consistent than for self-reports of health (Rasmussen, Scheier, & Greenhouse, 2009 ). One study even found that optimism predicts longer life—among 900 elderly Dutch persons, those reporting a high level of optimism at baseline were less likely to die over the next 10 years (Giltay, Geleijnse, Zitman, Hoekstra, & Schouten, 2004 ). Relations between optimism and physical well-being surely deserve further study.

Is Optimism Always Better than Pessimism?

Consistently throughout this chapter, we have portrayed optimists as better off than pessimists. They are less distressed when times are tough, they cope in ways that foster better outcomes, and they're better at taking the steps necessary to ensure that their futures continue to be bright. Although there are situations in which optimists are only slightly better off than pessimists and probably some where they have no advantage, there is remarkably little evidence that optimists are ever worse off than pessimists.

Several theorists have suggested that such situations do exist (e.g., Schwarzer, 1994 ; Tennen & Affleck, 1987 ), that optimism may be potentially damaging. The logic is this: Too much optimism might lead people to ignore a threat until it's too late, or might lead people to overestimate their ability to deal with it, resulting in poorer outcomes.

This appears to be generally not the case. However, occasional studies do suggest adverse effects of optimism. As noted earlier, there is some evidence that optimism predicts poorer immune response under relative high challenge (Segerstrom, 2006 ). One study also found that when an accumulation of life stress over a year's time becomes high, the buffering effect of optimism reverses (Chang & Sanna, 2003 ).

In another kind of project, Goodman, Chesney, and Tipton ( 1995 ) studied whether adolescent girls at risk for HIV infection sought information about HIV testing and agreed to have a test. Those higher in optimism were less likely to get the information and less likely to follow through with a test (see also Perkins, Leserman, Murphy, & Evans, 1993 ). However, several aspects of this study cast uncertainty on the findings. For one, this sample was unusually low in optimism. For another, no data were gathered on important variables such as whether the girls knew their partners' serostatus. Possibly, the more optimistic girls had already established that their partners were HIV-negative. Nonetheless, this finding (along with the others noted) urges caution in drawing conclusions about universal benefits of optimism.

Does optimism foster a worldview that is fragile and easily shattered by trauma? Will optimists be less able to rebuild the shattered assumptions of their lives after experiencing a violent rape or having their home destroyed by fire or flood? Although such outcomes are possible, we know of no evidence that they occur. We instead expect optimists to accept their changed realities, reset their sights on the future, and continue to make the best of what they are facing. Pessimists may find their worldview confirmed by trauma or disaster, but we doubt they will take much satisfaction in that. Rather, they will continue to anticipate yet further adversity.

Cultural Issues

Much of what is known about optimism comes from studies of Westerners: mostly North Americans, predominantly of European descent. An important question is whether the knowledge from these studies generalizes to other groups. The information on that question is quite limited, but so far there have been both differences and similarities (Chang, 2002 ). One difference is that Asians seem to distinguish more sharply than European Americans between affirmation of an optimistic view and rejection of a pessimistic view. Overall mean differences in optimism have not stood out, but there have been some differences in patterns, the meaning of which is not entirely clear. In one study, an Asian American sample endorsed pessimism more than a European American sample; in another study, South Koreans endorsed pessimism less than European Americans (Chang, Sanna, & Yang, 2003 ). Thus far, the evidence suggests that optimism and pessimism relate to quality of life outcomes in the same general way across cultures (Chang, 2002 ). This area of inquiry will doubtlessly become more important over time.

Can Pessimists Become Optimists?

Given the many ways in which optimists' lives are better than those of pessimists, many ask if optimism can be acquired. Yes, change is possible, but there remain questions about how large a change can be expected and how permanent it will be. There also remain questions about whether an induced optimistic view acts in the same way—has the same beneficial effects—as a naturally occurring optimistic view.

The most straightforward way to turn a pessimist into an optimist is by techniques known collectively as cognitive-behavioral therapies. The logic behind these techniques is that people with problems make negative distortions in their minds. The negative thoughts cause negative affect and induce people to stop trying to reach their goals. Such distortions resemble what we would imagine as the interior monolog of the pessimist. The therapies aim to make the cognitions more positive, thereby reducing distress and fostering renewed effort.

It is important to recognize, though, that it can be unwise to substitute an unquestioning optimism for an existing doubt. Sometimes people are pessimistic because they have overly high aspirations. They demand perfection from themselves, hardly ever see it, and develop doubts about their adequacy. What they need is realistic goals, and practice setting alternative goals to replace what cannot be attained (Carver & Scheier, 2003 ; Wrosch, Scheier, Carver, & Schulz, 2003 ).

Concluding Comment

A growing literature confirms that people who dispositionally hold positive expectations for the future respond to difficulty or adversity in more adaptive ways than people who hold negative expectations. Expectancies influence how people approach these situations, and they influence the success with which people deal with them. Many questions remain unanswered. But we ourselves are optimistic about the future of work in this area, optimistic that research will continue to reveal the paths by which positive thinking can work to people's benefit.

Questions for the Future

How does optimism promote such health-related benefits as faster wound healing?

Is “acquired optimism” as beneficial as being born optimistic?

Does optimism have similar effects in cultures very different from American culture?

Acknowledgments

Preparation of this chapter was facilitated by support from the National Cancer Institute (CA64710, CA78995, and CA84944), the National Science Foundation (BCS0544617), and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (HL65111, HL65112, HL076852, and HL076858).

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Appendix: Items of the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), a measure of optimism versus pessimism

In uncertain times, I usually expect the best.

It's easy for me to relax. (Filler)

If something can go wrong for me, it will. a

Iʼm always optimistic about my future.

I enjoy my friends a lot. (Filler)

It's important for me to keep busy. (Filler)

I hardly ever expect things to go my way. a

I don't get upset too easily. (Filler)

I rarely count on good things happening to me. a

Overall, I expect more good things to happen to me than bad.

Note: Respondents indicate the extent of their agreement with each item using a 5-point scale ranging from “strongly disagree” (0) to “strongly agree” (4). After reverse-coding the negatively worded items (those identified with the superscript “a”), the six non-filler items are summed to produce an overall score. A hypothetical “neutral” response to all items would yield a score of 12; typically, however, the distribution is skewed somewhat toward the optimistic. Examples of average scores from two large samples (from Scheier et al., 1994 ) are 14.33 among college students and 15.16 among coronary bypass patients. Although there are no cutoff points that define people as optimists or as pessimists, it will be apparent that a score of 18 or higher is rather optimistic, whereas a score of 11 or 12 is not. Scores below 10 are rather pessimistic. From Scheier, M. F., Carver, C. S., & Bridges, M. W. ( 1994 ). Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism (and trait anxiety, self-mastery, and self-esteem): A reevaluation of the Life Orientation Test. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67 , 1063–1078. Reproduced with the permission of the authors and the American Psychological Association.

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55 Optimism Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best optimism topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on optimism, 📌 simple & easy optimism essay titles.

Life Expectations: Optimism vs. Pessimism This grounding in expectancies links the concepts of optimism and pessimism to a long tradition of expectancy-value models of motivation The result of this is that the optimism construct, though having roots in folk wisdom, […]
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How Optimism Improves Immunity Optimism and happiness have an impact on the well-being and health of a person, and optimistic behavior is proved to be one of the stimuli for improved immunity.
Migration From Optimistic and Pessimistic Approaches Due to this skewed focus, the general migration theories fail to offer critical insights into the real picture of migration impacts on the development in the countries that send the migrants.
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Optimism: Definition, Importance, and Meaning Immune responses seem to have a strong link with high levels of confidence and optimism in people living with conditions that attract stigmatization in their societies.
Learned Optimism: Coping Mechanism for Nurses Therefore, the application of learned optimism as the means of releasing tension and reducing stress rates leads to a drop in the probability of a burnout.
Newlyweds’ Optimistic Forecasts of Their Marriage The first instrument used was the Quality of Marriage Index, a six-item scale requiring partners to describe the level of their agreement and disagreements regarding their marriage in general.
Fostering the Development of Optimism and Resilience The role of a counselor is to help a client or a family to find a direction. Inspiring the client to feel able to orchestrate events and people in a way that positively influences the […]
Optimism and Its Effects on Health This is also important in facing some of the life’s problems which result in psychological problems and this means that the people who are optimistic have a positive outlook of life and this ensures that […]
Woody Allen and Leo Tolstoy on the Meaning of Life: Pessimism vs. Optimism Whereas Tolstoy has written a highly literary examination of a wasted life from a Christian perspective, God is a farce in which the characters are named after diseases, the play moves haphazardly from Athens to […]
Cultivating Optimism Strategy Review We need to take charge and get released of doubt and fear in order to surge ahead in creating what matters to us in being very important to achieve in life.
The Optimism in Tragedy Analysis The words “I will live for love, and the rest will take care of itself,” which begin the dedication of the book and which Marina pronounced on her graduation day, are fundamental for the tone […]
Irrational Optimism and Investment Shares are a long term investment and the probability of getting proceeds is not guaranteed because it solely depends on the performance of the shares in the market.
Accounting for Optimism and Pessimism in Expected Utility
Affect, Risk Perception, and Future Optimism After the Tsunami Disaster
Business Optimism for Small, Medium, and Large Firms: Does It Explain Investment
Comparing the Concepts of Optimism and Hopefulness
Characterizing Optimism and Pessimism Directly Through Comonotonicity
Under What Circumstances Might Optimism Be Harmful
Confidence, Optimism, and Litigation: A Litigation Model Under Ambiguity
Consumers’ Optimism Bias and Responses to Risk Disclosures in Drug Advertising
Curbing Optimism Bias and Strategic Misrepresentation in Planning
Cyberchondria During the Coronavirus Pandemic: The Effects of Neuroticism and Optimism
Dispositional Optimism and Stock Investments
Does Perceived Emotional Intelligence and Optimism Predict Psychological Well-Being
Entrepreneurial Under-Diversification: Over Optimism and Overconfidence
Entrepreneurship: Cause and Consequence of Financial Optimism
Gender Differences From Comparative Optimism
Serial Mediating Roles of Social Support and Optimism
Assessing the Pharmacological Optimism and Neuroenhancement Prevalence Hypotheses
Investment Cash Flow Sensitivity and Managerial Optimism
Learning Hope and Optimism: Classmate Experiences and Adolescent Development
Materialism and Optimism: Crucial American Social Norms
Modeling Optimism and Pessimism in the Foreign Exchange Market
Optimism and Its Effects on Mental and Physical Health
Optimism and Mental Health of Minority Students: Moderating Effects of Cultural Adaptability
Optimism and the Perceptions of New Risks
Over-Optimism and Lender Liability in the Consumer Credit Market
Is Emotional Intelligence a Mediator for Optimism and Hope
Relationship Between Optimism and Subjective Well Being
Situated Optimism and Firm Growth in Subsistence Economies
The Acquisition Puzzle and Mispricing: Evidence of Over-Optimism
The Evolution and Persistence of Optimism in Litigation
Treating Depression With Online Optimism Intervention
Reasons for Optimism: The Current State of the American Economy
Population Pessimism and Economic Optimism in the Asian Giants
Optimism and Achievement: The Educational Performance of Immigrant Youth
Entrepreneurial Optimism and the Market for New Issues
Bank Lending and Real Estate in Asia: Market Optimism and Asset Bubbles
Ambiguity, Pessimism, Optimism, and Financial Crises in a Simple Global Game Model
The Role of Optimism in a Person’s Success
Understanding Technological Optimism and Pessimism
The Case for Optimism on Climate Change
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Optimism Study Gives Optimists More Reason to Be Optimistic

Optimism is associated with exceptional longevity, a new 30-year study reports..

Posted August 27, 2019

Women and men with greater optimism tend to live longer than their pessimistic peers, on average, according to a decades-long study published yesterday. This research identifies a strong correlational (not causal) association between optimism and "exceptional longevity," which is described as living to age 85 or older.

These findings ( Lee et al., 2019 ) were published on August 26 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ( PNAS ). This decades-long epidemiological study was a collaborative effort between researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), Harvard Medical School, and the National Center for PTSD in Boston.

Do you consider yourself to be an optimist? In general, optimists tend to look on the bright side and have positive expectations about the future. Unfortunately, a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey published on August 25 reports that many Americans are pessimistic and feel a " deep and boiling anger. " Despite overall satisfaction with the U.S. economy, the majority of respondents to this poll expressed pessimism about the country they're leaving to future generations.

As the parent of a tween, I feel pessimistic about the future sometimes, too. Nevertheless, as an ultra-endurance athlete , I spent decades finding a psychological sweet-spot between "pragmatic optimism" and Pollyannaism by learning to control my explanatory style. This mindset is transferable to daily life. I discuss some basics of "learned optimism" in The Athlete's Way :

"You can learn to be optimistic by choosing to take that perspective. You have the choice to decide what your perspective is going to be. Whenever you are angry or negative, you can be assured that it is not only a present state of mind, but also that you have encouraged a habit. Thoughts move along the neural pathways most frequently traveled. By making a decision to see the glass as half-full, you can rewire your brain to be inclined toward a more optimistic explanatory style."

There is lots of empirical evidence suggesting that whether you view the world through a pessimistic or optimistic lens is within the locus of your control .

If you need an evidence-based reason to make an effort to be more optimistic, hopefully, the latest research on optimism being associated with longevity is a source of motivation . In both men and women, the researchers found a dose-dependent association of higher optimism levels at baseline associated with increased longevity ( P trend < 0.01).

This study involved more than 70,000 participants who completed a survey to measure their levels of optimism, overall health, and lifestyle habits such as smoking , alcohol use, and diet . One goal of this research was to pinpoint specific psychosocial factors that promote resilient aging across a lifespan. Some study participants were followed for up to three decades (1986–2016).

How was optimism assessed? The researchers evaluated optimism using the Life Orientation Test-Revised in NHS and the Revised Optimism–Pessimism Scale from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 in NAS.

On average, the most optimistic men and women in the study had odds of reaching age 85 that were 50-70 percent greater than the least optimistic study participants. These statistics take demographic differences and lifestyle into consideration. After adjusting for demographics and health conditions, women and men in the highest versus lowest "optimism quartile" had a 14.9 percent longer lifespan.

"While research has identified many risk factors for diseases and premature death, we know relatively less about positive psychosocial factors that can promote healthy aging," first author Lewina Lee said in a statement. "This study has strong public health relevance because it suggests that optimism is one such psychosocial asset that has the potential to extend the human lifespan. Interestingly, optimism may be modifiable using relatively simple techniques or therapies." Lee is a clinical research psychologist at the National Center for PTSD at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in Boston and an assistant professor of psychiatry at BUSM.

As mentioned, this study is correlational and cannot conclude if optimism actually causes exceptional longevity. The million-dollar question remains: Why is optimism associated with longevity?

"Other research suggests that more optimistic people may be able to regulate emotions and behavior as well as bounce back from stressors and difficulties more effectively," co-senior author Laura Kubzansky of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said in a statement.

"Research on the reason why optimism matters so much remains to be done, but the link between optimism and health is becoming more evident," co-senior author Francine Grodstein added. Grodstein is a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health as well as a professor of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

"Given work indicating optimism is modifiable, these findings suggest optimism may provide a valuable target to test for strategies to promote longevity," the authors concluded.

Facebook image: Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock

Lewina O. Lee, Peter James, Emily S. Zevon, Eric S. Kim, Claudia Trudel-Fitzgerald, Avron Spiro III, Francine Grodstein, and Laura D. Kubzansky “Optimism Is Associated with Exceptional Longevity in 2 Epidemiologic Cohorts of Men and Women.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (First published: August 26, 2019) DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1900712116

Christopher Bergland is a retired ultra-endurance athlete turned science writer, public health advocate, and promoter of cerebellum ("little brain") optimization.

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75 Optimism Examples

optimism examples and definition, explained below

Optimism, derived from the Latin term ‘optimus’ meaning “best”, is the philosophy or tendency to expect the best possible outcome (Peterson, 2010).

Rooted in positive psychology , it is a mental orientation or mindset that influences how an individual perceives and interprets situations.

Researchers assert that it’s more than just having a smile on one’s face or seeing the glass as half full; it is an outlook on life characterized by positive and hopeful attitudes (Carver, Scheier & Segerstrom, 2010).

A person embodying optimism generally anticipates good results regardless of the circumstances (for instance, an optimistic student expects the best outcome even when faced with challenging exams). They exhibit resilience in the face of adversity, manifesting as a tendency to persist and work harder with a faith in positive results (Scheier & Carver, 2018).

Optimism Examples

Expecting good outcomes: This refers to an individual’s inclination to anticipate promising results, governed by a confident and proactive mindset . Such a mentality underscores optimism by proposing a continuous belief in positivity, despite potential obstacles.
Trusting people’s intentions: This means exercising solid faith in the sincerity of people’s actions and objectives. It embodies optimism by presuming that people generally aim to act harmoniously and honestly, fostering a feeling of connection and mutual respect.
Believing in oneself: This involves possessing strong confidence in one’s skills and capabilities. Rooted in optimism, it bolsters the assertion of one’s worth, driving the active pursuit to excel and revolutionize one’s life trajectory.
Embracing change positively: This implies welcoming unfamiliar circumstances with an open heart and eagerness, expressing flexibility. Demonstrating optimism, it’s the canvas where life implements its colour, bringing along new opportunities to grow and blossom.
Focusing on solutions: This encapsulates identifying and giving priority to answers or strategies rather than problems. An underlying pillar of optimism, it shifts the focus from passive lamenting to actionable steps towards resolution.
Finding opportunity in adversity: This represents a virtue consistent with optimism, where disruptive situations are approached as beneficial circumstances offering valuable life lessons. It sustains a hopeful mindset, shaping arduous moments into nurseries of growth and strength.
Visualizing success: This illustrates prediction and affirming of thriving outcomes even before they manifest, serving as a motivational tool. Such a mentality anchors one in optimism, fuelling courage to take on ambitious ventures.
Perceiving the glass as half-full: The notion of viewing situations from a ‘glass half-full’ perspective exemplifies an optimistic worldview. This viewpoint emphasizes gratitude by appreciating available resources, thereby boosting morale and encouraging positivity outward actions.
Encouraging others’ dreams: This comprises promoting and celebrating others’ goals, epitomizing an outward display of optimism. Such compassion and aliveness can often bolster a faith in humanity and proliferate optimism to surrounding acquaintances.
Pursuing continual self-improvement : This encompasses a tenacious journey towards personal impartation and intellectual refinement. As an embodiment of optimism, its engenders growth and expansive experiences, leading to heightened self-awareness and satisfaction.
Celebrating small victories: This represents valuing and commemorating even the seemingly minor accomplishments. Cultivating an optimistic outlook, it increases enthusiasm and motivation by appreciating about the process as much as the end result.
Maintaining a cheerful disposition: This endows maintaining an ever-pleasant demeanor, expressing emotion tied to feelings of general contentment or joy. As a projection of optimism, it lightens one’s attitude and influences others positively.
Cultivating gratitude: The act of fostering thankfulness towards life’s gifts whether big or small. Reverberating optimism, this practice reinforces positive observations of life experiences and bolsters overall wellbeing.
Welcoming new experiences: This implies the enthusiastic acceptance of novel events or challenges, promoting flexibility and adaptability. In demonstrating optimism, it highlights the thrill in expanding horizons and the power of continual learning.
Valuing personal growth: This exhibits a continued focus on self-evolution, embracing intellectual, emotional, and spiritual progress. A sign of optimism, it summons inner resources to better confront challenges, recognizing the inevitability and potential within progression.
Seeing beauty in simplicity: This portrays a premise central to optimism — appreciation and zest for simple, often overlooked aspects of life. Such a perspective echoes the thought that happiness can be discovered within simplicity, spreading sparks of positivity.
Embodying resilience in failure: This encompasses the embodiment of robust resilience in the aftermath of disappointments, using them as platforms to spring forward from. Viewing setbacks as conduits to triumph links to optimism, fostering growth and perseverance.
Accepting uncertainty with poise: This means admitting and handling ambiguity and fluctuations gracefully. In the light of optimism, this underlines courageous acceptance of life’s unpredictability and promotes adaptability.
Choosing happiness in hardship: This concerns electing to stay cheerful, sustaining high spirits and maintaining positivity amid trying times. It’s a shining beacon of optimism, advocating personal control over emotional states, notwithstanding external circumstances.
Exuding confidence in abilities: This necessitates holding an unwavering faith in one’s knowledge, talents, and skills, undeterred by failures. Rooted deeply in optimism, it motivates continued commitment and releases latent potentials.
Practicing patience and endurance: This includes providing substantial time for growth and processes without unseemly hurry, appreciating fluctuating stages of evolution. Organic to optimism, it allows for maturity and boosts reassurance in the attainment of eventual glory.
Cherishing every moment: That requires an understanding of life’s fleeting nature, encouraging absorption in living instants with undivided attention. As a direct trait of optimism, it intensifies holistic enjoyment and harvests bouts of joy in ordinary situations.
Upholding faith in humanity: This rests upon maintaining a positive perspective on mankind, anticipating mutual kindness, compassion, and decency. As an exceptional pillar of optimism, it steadies the belief in collective progress and morale in a supportive world.
Being excited about the future: This is characterized by exhibiting enthusiasm and displaying vibrant anticipation about time ahead. With roots in optimism, it sparks motivation towards continually aspiring and persevering.
Fostering a hopeful attitude: Maintaining such an attitude signifies carrying an optimistic mindset that envisages positivity throughout future occurrences. It influences personal and social realms of life, encouraging consistent anticipation of more pleasing and mirthful tomorrows.

50 Optimism Quotes (and Sayings about Optimism)

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”
“Tomorrow is another day.”
“This too shall pass.”
“When one door closes, another opens.”
“Opportunities often come from obstacles.”
“After a storm comes a calm.”
“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Where there’s life, there’s hope.”
“Always look on the bright side.”
“The sun will come out tomorrow.”
“Better days are on their way.”
“Every sunset brings a new dawn.”
“Count your blessings, not your problems.”
“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”
“Challenges are just opportunities in disguise.”
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
“The only way is up.”
“The best is yet to come.”
“When it rains, look for rainbows.”
“Hope is the beacon which points to prosperity.”
“There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
“Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.”
“Turn your face towards the sun and the shadows will fall behind you.”
“The future is as bright as your faith.”
“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.”
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
“Believe in miracles.”
“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.”
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.”
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”
“Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.”
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
“Positive anything is better than negative nothing.”
“Do not wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain.”
“Always end the day with a positive thought.”
“Hope is a waking dream.”
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.”
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.”
“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
“Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever.”
“Start each day with a positive thought.”
“Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.”
“Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.”
“Believe you deserve it and the universe will serve it.”
“The pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow.”
“Every morning we are born again. What we do today matters most.”

Optimism has been linked to several positive health benefits. Researchers have associated optimism with reduced anxiety levels, lessened chances of developing chronic diseases, lower mortality rates, and improved overall health (Rasmussen, Scheier & Greenhouse, 2009).

A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health (Kim, Kubzansky, Boehm, Levkoff, & Kawachi, 2014) revealed that positive psychological wellbeing, largely driven by optimism, was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease (e.g., participants who regularly portrayed a positive outlook were found to have an 11% lower risk of heart disease).

Optimism also reflects significantly on one’s everyday behavior. Those with an optimistic viewpoint tend to lead a healthier lifestyle, demonstrating regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep (Friedman & Ryff, 2010).

Consider professional athletes, who, despite rigorous and physically demanding routines, maintain their fitness regimen with an optimistic frame of mind, often resulting in better performance records and a higher resilience towards stress (Beauchamp, Bray & Eys, 2017).

Overall, optimism goes beyond a mere positive attitude ; it is a steadfast belief that facilitates resilience, healthier lifestyles, and efficient problem-solving skills while promoting overall well-being.

Beauchamp, M. R., Bray, S. R., & Eys, M. (2017). Group dynamics in exercise and sport psychology. Routledge.

Carver C, Scheier M, Segerstrom S (2010). Optimism. Clinical psychology review.

Friedman, E. M., & Ryff, C. D. (2010). Living well with medical comorbidities: A biopsychosocial perspective. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 67(5), 535-544.

Kim, E. S., Kubzansky, L. D., Boehm, J. K., Levkoff, S. E., & Kawachi, I. (2014). Psychosocial factors and risk of hypertension: The Harvard School of Public Health Alumni Health Study. JAMA internal medicine, 174 (11), 1756-1764.

Peterson, C. (2010). Looking forward through the lifespan: Developmental psychology. Pearson Education Australia.

Rasmussen, H. N., Scheier, M. F., & Greenhouse, J. B. (2009). Optimism and physical health: a meta-analytic review. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 37 (3), 239-256.

Scheier, M., & Carver, C. (2018). Dispositional optimism and physical health: A long look back, a quick look forward. American Psychologist, 73 (9), 1082–1094.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Hope is not the same as optimism, a psychologist explains − just look at MLK’s example

Associate Professor of Psychology, Hope College

Disclosure statement

Kendra Thomas receives funding from the John Templeton Foundation

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On April 3, 1968, standing before a crowded church, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. painted his vision for justice. “ I’ve seen the Promised Land ,” he said. “I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”

Twenty-two hours later, he was assassinated.

King’s prophetic words express the virtue of hope amid hardship. He was not optimistic that he would reach the “Promised Land,” yet he was hopeful about the ultimate goal.

In conversation, “hope” and “optimism” can often be used as synonyms. But there’s an important gap between them, as psychology research suggests.

One of the most common tools to measure optimism asks people how much they agree with statements such as, “In uncertain times, I usually expect the best.” Those who strongly agree are regarded as highly optimistic.

But optimism can rely on a sense of luck over action. Self-help books on optimism are lined with hacks – like imagining your greatest possible self or focusing on the best-case scenario.

My psychology research studies how people perceive hope and justice. Long-term hope is not about looking on the bright side. It is a mindset that helps people endure challenges, tackle them head-on and keep their eyes on the goal – a virtue that King and other community leaders exemplify.

Uniformed guards lined up with rifles with bayonets on them as men walk by wearing placards that say 'I am a man.'

Hope is often defined in psychological research as having strong will to succeed and plans to reach a goal.

Hope is stronger than optimism at predicting academic success and people’s ability to cope with pain . Plenty of scientific evidence suggests that hope improves individuals’ health and boosts their well-being .

But branding hope as a self-improvement tool cheapens this long-established virtue. Hope has benefits beyond the self . Thus, many psychologists are expanding the study of hope beyond personal success. My research team defines this “ virtuous hope ” as striving toward a purposeful vision of the common good – a hope often shaped by hardship and strengthened through relationships.

Many leaders, including King, have channeled that lesson to inspire change. Centuries of spiritual and philosophical work describe hope as a virtue that, like love, is a decision, not a feeling.

The myth of time

King wasn’t known for looking on the bright side or expecting the best from others. He faced repeated waves of criticism, and, at the time of his death, fewer Americans approved of him than of the Vietnam War .

In “ Letter from a Birmingham Jail ,” King lamented the optimism of moderate white Americans who said they supported his goals but took little action. There is a “strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills,” he wrote. “Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively.”

He chastised society for believing that improvement would simply happen on its own. When he said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice ,” he was not describing its natural trajectory, but what people have the power to change. You cannot expect greener pastures if they are not tended today.

A black and white photograph of two men in collared shirts smiling outside as they shake a third man's hand.

King was not alone in leveraging virtuous hope for justice. Brazilian educator Paulo Freire described hope as an “ existential imperative ” that promotes action. Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, called hope a “ powerful weapon .”

Forged in adversity

What makes hope a virtue is not its ability to promote happiness and success but its commitment to a greater good beyond the self.

I study virtuous hope in a South African Zulu community, where there are few reasons for optimism. South Africa has the world’s steepest inequality . Unemployment is high , and social mobility is low. This is the part of the country where HIV is most widespread , with the percentage near 50% in some communities.

We studied several people seen as embodying hope , based on their reputation and community suggestions. These individuals demonstrated an unwavering focus on striving for a better future, often unglued from expectations of personal success.

One local farmer nominated by his community struggled to buy seeds for his crops but still helped others apply for grants to buy them. Even when his own future was uncertain, he was not hoarding. He described his hope as a commitment to help others. His hope is not a positive expectation but a moral commitment.

Our interviewees did not describe hardship as a suppressor of hope but as its context to grow.

One unemployed young woman said she had applied for jobs for four years and would continue, though she was not naïve about the tough future. She said applying for jobs and reading to her child were her acts of hope. Her hope didn’t expect a quick improvement, yet it warded off paralysis.

Many of our interviewees anchored their hope in their Christian faith, as did King. King often referenced St. Paul, one of the first Christian writers, who wrote , “Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Now this hope does not disappoint us.”

Hope, in other words, plays the long game: enduring suffering with integrity. Like King’s, it manifests in hardship and is refined in adversity. Hope enables communities to march for justice and democracy even while tasting the danger of dictatorship, apartheid or oligarchy.

Hope knows it may take another generation to reach the Promised Land, but it acts today to bend the moral arc toward justice.

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Exploring the Psychological Effects of Optimism on Life Satisfaction in Students: The Mediating Role of Goal Orientations

Pablo usán supervía.

1 Departament of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences and Education, University of Zaragoza, Valentín Carderera, 4, 22003 Huesca, Spain

Carlos Salavera Bordás

2 Departament of Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; se.razinu@arevalas

Víctor Murillo Lorente

3 Departament of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Plaza Universidad, 3, 22002 Huesca, Spain; se.razinu@ollirumv

Subjective wellbeing is a current issue today. Various variables affect subjective wellbeing during adolescence: a crucial stage in the life of the individual. This study focuses on analysing the relationship between academic goal orientation, optimism and life satisfaction in adolescent students, as well as the possible mediating role of the goal orientation (task and ego) in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction in adolescents. Methods: The sample comprises 1602 students (male N = 871; 54.36% and female N = 731; 45.63%) from nine secondary schools. The instruments used were the Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R), the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) questionnaire. Results: The results of the study reveal significant correlations between optimism-related variables, goal orientation and life satisfaction. In addition, goal orientation was found to have a positive mediating role on optimism and life satisfaction. Conclusion: The study shows the importance of promoting adaptive behaviours in goal orientation in adolescents, leading to optimal levels on variables such as optimism and life satisfaction, which in turn improve the individual’s psychological development and academic performance.

1. Introduction

Research on quality of life has been approached from two broad perspectives: objective and subjective. While the objective approach focuses on the external circumstances of the subject, such as income levels, friendship networks and professional status, among others, the subjective approach centres on the individual’s point of view. Both perspectives will be explored in our study from three theoretical constructs in which we will investigate the relationship between them: optimism, life satisfaction and goal orientations.

In accordance with the above, the subjective judgements can refer to life in general or be concerned with individual-specific aspects [ 1 ]. One of these subjective judgements is optimism, which is defined as a more or less stable expectation to be heading towards positive or favourable circumstances [ 2 ]; conversely, pessimism is defined as the individual’s belief or presumption that unfavourable things are ahead [ 3 ]. Thus, optimism–pessimism is a one-dimensional construct that runs between two poles; that is, both concepts respond to a set of relatively stable features that can resist changes in environmental conditions, hence the label dispositional optimism [ 2 ].

According to Carver, Scheier and Segerstrom [ 4 ], optimism is a predisposition that mediates between the subject’s external setting and the way he or she interprets it. An optimistic viewpoint allows the individual to respond positively to adverse, critical and even traumatic circumstances, allowing he or she to overcome these difficulties with effort and determination. Likewise, whether a person will be optimistic or pessimistic depends on the person’s resilience and focus in assessing their own individual circumstances. Circumstances and their outcome, therefore, can be viewed from both an optimistic and pessimistic perspective based on perception.

The existing literature highlights the relationship between optimism and various psychological features. Optimistic individuals are more prone to adaptive behaviour [ 2 ], to have good expectations about future achievements [ 5 ] and to personal efficiency, [ 6 ] and less prone to intrapersonal vulnerability [ 7 ], personal unhappiness [ 8 ] and physical discomfort [ 9 ]. Vera-Villarroel, Pávez and Silva [ 10 ] suggest that there is a relationship between optimism and psychological and physical wellbeing, and argue that optimistic people are less prone to stress, exhaustion and cynicism than pessimistic individuals, and they also cope better with difficulties and become ill less often.

Optimism among adolescents has been paid relatively little attention. Ferrero and Rico [ 11 ] argue that better personal and social relationships in optimistic students can lead to better academic performance. Other studies link optimism with higher levels of self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy and assertiveness [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].

As such, optimism plays a key role in the person’s life, especially in infancy and adolescence, phases during which adult personality is established as a permanent dispositional feature [ 15 ]. While in infancy, optimism develops according to the people closest to the child as satisfactory or unsatisfactory situations occur, in adolescence, the cognitive capacities or abilities of students are revealed about their expectations and social comparison with their equals. Therefore, it is important to educate schoolchildren in optimism for adequate personal and moral development [ 15 ].

On the other hand, life satisfaction responds to cognitive components which, along with emotional components (positive and negative affects), constitute subjective wellbeing [ 16 ]. This construct reflects the way a broad array of vital circumstances are perceived. According to Diener [ 17 ], there is broad consensus regarding the basic characteristics of subjective wellbeing: (1) it is built upon each person’s life experiences and the way they are perceived; (2) it includes positive dimensions, not merely the absence of negative ones; and (3) it also includes broader perceptions about life in general.

Focusing on the cognitive component, life satisfaction is described as the general evaluation that individuals make about their own life and circumstances [ 18 ]. By making this evaluation, the subject examines tangible aspects of life, balancing good and negative things and reaching a conclusion about his or her level of satisfaction with life [ 16 ]. The affective component refers to positive and negative affects, relatively independent from each other. Affective balance refers to the emotions, moods and feelings that a person may experience. These can be all positive, all negative, or a combination of both positive and negative [ 16 ].

To date, research on life satisfaction has mostly focused on psychological and social risk assessment. This has proven to be valuable for predicting pathological states, the individual’s ability to cope with stressful situations and their effect on personal conduct [ 19 ]. Studies about life satisfaction in infancy and adolescence are few [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. These studies suggest that optimism develops in different ways during these crucial stages [ 23 , 24 ].

Finally, concerning academic performance, the goal orientation [ 25 , 26 ] (Ames, 2002; Nicholls, 1989) approach currently stands as one of the most important social-cognitive theories, and is a widely used framework in educational psychology [ 25 ]. This theory addresses the reasons, goals and intentions that guide students in academic settings. In different achievement environments, such as school, the main target of students is to show their skills and capability. For this reason, those students oriented towards the task, in a more self-determined vision with more adaptive behaviours, tend to think that success in school comes from their own personal ability to carry out tasks by joining effort and motivation to their schoolwork while those students oriented towards the ego, in a less self-determined vision with less adaptive behaviours [ 27 ] think that success in school is the fact of feeling superior towards their classmates taking their capacity and personal competence in the development of their tasks in terms of clearly comparison and improvement, not coming from their personal ability to perform tasks.

Researches referring to goal orientations towards task have been related to the commitment of schoolchildren towards their school tasks in a particular way and the school in a general way [ 28 ]; intrinsic motivation in performing tasks [ 20 ]; students’ academic happiness [ 29 ] or even the development of coping strategies in extreme situations such as stress management in exams or anxiety in the face of new knowledge to be imparted [ 30 ]. Ultimately, task orientation is related to greater physical and emotional well-being of students [ 31 ]. In this way, those students with a clear display of ego are related to a lack of commitment and school dropout [ 32 , 33 , 34 ], feelings of anxiety in the performance of their tasks on a comparative level with their peers [ 35 ] as well as, in a generalized, with a low state of physical and emotional well-being [ 36 ].

The existing literature highlights the positive correlation between optimism and life satisfaction. Adolescents who are more satisfied with life are more optimistic and maintain positive relationships with their peers. Similarly, some studies suggest that students who are satisfied with life perform better in academic settings and present better mental aptitudes than pessimistic students [ 3 ], and are more prone to be on friendly terms with their peers [ 13 ]. Furthermore, life satisfaction can act as a deterrent to school dropout and can be used to predict the academic performance of adolescents [ 37 ].

Few studies link academic goal orientation and the above mentioned constructs. Some studies relate dispositional optimism and motivation. According to these studies, optimistic people are more prone to make an effort to achieve their ends, while pessimistic people are less committed and less willing to invest personal effort to achieve their goals [ 2 , 4 , 38 ].

In this context, and given the dearth of studies that deal with these variables jointly, this study aims to analyse the mediating role that academic goal orientation (task and ego) plays in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction in adolescents, following Casas et al., [ 20 ] who highlight the scarcity of such studies in the existing literature. Two general hypotheses are put forward: (a) optimism is positively related to life satisfaction in adolescents, and (b) academic (task and ego) orientations will play a positive and negative mediating role, respectively, in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction in adolescents.

2.1. Sample

The study comprised 1602 students, both male ( N = 871; 54.36%) and female ( N = 731; 45.63%) ( Table 1 ) from 9 public secondary schools. Their ages range from 12 to 17 years (M = 14.11; SD = 1.47). Participants were selected by simple random sampling. Inclusion criteria were the ability to read and communicate in perfect Spanish to make sure that they could understand and answer the questionnaire. Incomplete questionnaires were discarded and students with cognitive disorders who could not fully understand the questionnaire were excluded from the study.

Results by students’ gender, age and academic year.

2.2. Measurement Scales

Three widely used questionnaires were selected to channel the participant’s responses. First, level of optimism was measured with Scheier, Carver and Bridges’s Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R) [ 39 ], translated into Spanish by Ferrando, Chico and Tous [ 40 ]. The scale includes six items, three positive (e.g., “I am always optimistic about my future”) and three negative (e.g., “I never expect things to go my way”). Responses were given on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “Strongly disagree” (1) to “Strongly agree” (5). The internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) of the translated questionnaire is 0.76, and 0.78 for our survey.

Goal orientations were measured with Roberts, Treasure and Balagué’s Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) [ 41 ], translated into Spanish and validated by Martínez, Alonso and Moreno [ 42 ]. This questionnaire comprises 12 items that reflect the student’s goal orientation, six referring to task orientation (e.g., “In class I feel that I am successful when I work hard”), and six to ego orientation (e.g., “In class I feel that I am successful when I show my classmates and teachers that I am the best”). Responses were given on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “Strongly disagree” (1) to “Strongly agree” (5). The reliability of this questionnaire in the school environment has been demonstrated in previous studies: Cronbach’s α was 0.85 for the task subscale and 0.82 for the ego subscale [ 41 ] and it was 0.85 and 0.84, respectively, in our study.

Finally, life satisfaction was measured with Diener, Emmons, Larsen and Griffin’s Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) [ 43 ], translated and validated for Spanish adolescents by Pons, Atienza, Balaguer and García-Merita [ 44 ]. The scale comprises 5 items that measure degree of life satisfaction among participants (e.g., “I am satisfied with my life”). Responses were given on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “Strongly disagree” (1) to “Strongly agree” (5). Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) of the translated questionnaire is 0.84 and 0.86 in our study.

2.3. Procedure

The study was conducted with the cooperation of several secondary schools and the students’ parents/guardians’ informed consent. All participants and parents/guardians were informed about the nature of the study. Data collection took place on a single day in each educational centre. Thus, the directors or heads of studies of each institute were contacted to arrange the best day to carry out the questionnaires for the courses described. Subsequently, the tutors or teachers of the students assigned a part of a class to answer the questionnaires, which were always attended by one of the researchers. All the information was stored in a database to carry out the statistical analyses of the research. Therefore, all ethical guidelines issued in the Declaration of Helsinki [ 45 ] were met. The research protocol was endorsed by OPIICS research group (S46_17R), Psychology and Sociology Department, Universidad de Zaragoza. Questionnaires were treated anonymously, and participation was voluntary, with participants being allowed to abandon the survey half-way if they so wished. All subjects gave their informed consent for inclusion before they participated in the study.

2.4. Data Analysis

Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the social and demographic characteristics of the sample. Correlations between optimism and life satisfaction were calculated with IBM SPSS v26.0. software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Finally, SPSS v26.0’s MACRO tool was used to carry out mediation analyses by bootstrapping (10,000 runs). For all the operations, a p ≤ 0 0.05 level of significance was adopted, with a 95% confidence level.

3.1. Descriptive Variables

As illustrated in Table 2 , males scored higher in optimism, ego orientation and life satisfaction; females yielded higher scores in task orientation.

Results by descriptive variables optimism, goal orientation and life satisfaction.

3.2. Correlational Analysis between Optimism, Goal Orientation and Life Satisfaction

The correlations between the variables are presented in Table 3 . All pairs of variables present significant positive correlations, but to different degrees. Optimism is positively correlated with goal orientation (task and ego); the strongest correlation is between optimism and life satisfaction ( r = 0.523). Goal orientation (task and ego) are correlated with one another ( r = 0.289) and satisfaction with life, and optimism is, somewhat more strongly, correlated with task orientation ( r = 0.304).

Results by correlational analysis of optimism, goal orientation and satisfaction with life variables.

** p < 0.01 (bilateral).

3.3. Mediation Effects of Goal Orientation on the Relationship between Optimism and Satisfaction with Life

In order to assess whether the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction is mediated by goal orientation (task and ego), calculations were based on Tal-Or, Cohen, Tsarfati and Gunther [ 46 ] using Hayes [ 47 ] SPSS (v 26.0) Process 3.0 macro ( Figure 1 ).

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Mediation model of goal orientation in the relationship between optimism and satisfaction with life variables.

On the one hand, it was observed that task orientation mediated in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction. The results indicate that optimism (VI) has an effect on the mediating variable (0.23), and this, in turn, has an effect on life satisfaction (VD) (0.19) (in both cases p > 0.001). Zero was not included in the bootstrap interval, B = 0.04, SE = 0.01, 95% (CI 0.02, 0.06), so it can be argued that task orientation mediates in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction.

On the other hand, it was observed that ego orientation does not mediate in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction. The results indicate that optimism (VI) has an effect on the mediating variable (0.15), but the effect of this on life satisfaction (VD) is not significant (0.04). Zero was included in the bootstrap interval, B = 0.00, SE = 0.00, 95% (CI 0.00, 0.01), so it can be argued that ego orientation does not mediate in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction.

As such, in line with our hypothesis, optimism had a direct positive effect on life satisfaction (0.50, p < 0.001) and total effect (direct effect + indirect effect) (0.55, p < 0.001), which suggests that only task orientation mediates in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction in adolescents, the proportion of variance being explained by model R 2 = 0.52 ***.

4. Discussion

The aim of this study was to analyse the mediating role of task and ego orientations on the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction in adolescent students.

Our first hypothesis stated that optimism and life satisfaction are related in adolescents. Based on this, optimistic students ought to yield higher scores in the variables that reflect life satisfaction.

This hypothesis was fully confirmed; the correlational analysis shows that optimism and life satisfaction are moderately correlated, a result confirmed by the mediation analyses. This confirms that optimism increases the degree of life satisfaction in adolescents.

Previous studies point in the same direction. It has been argued that certain adaptive behaviours relate optimism and life satisfaction with other self-determined variables such as social adaptability, a positive outlook, greater resilience to adverse situations, subjective happiness, self-esteem and self-concept [ 3 , 48 , 49 ]. Similarly, various studies link optimism and life satisfaction with better school performance and lower rates of school dropout, again stressing these adaptive behaviours [ 50 , 51 ].

Our second hypothesis referred to the possible mediating role (positive and negative) played by task and ego orientations on the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction. This hypothesis was only partially confirmed. While task orientation plays a positive mediating role in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction in adolescents, ego orientation was not found to play an equivalent role in the opposite direction, as we had hypothesised it would.

In any event, although ego orientation was found to have no impact on the relationship, the mediating role played by task orientation in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction needs to be stressed.

Few studies have examined the mediating role of goal orientation on the constructs taken into consideration in this study. Some studies, however, have pointed out the positive effect of task orientation on various self-determined variables, such as persistence, will, and commitment to school tasks [ 20 ]; greater academic engagement and lower incidence of school burnout [ 52 ]; greater intrinsic motivation and better performance in carrying out of school tasks [ 53 ]; effort, performance, and greater academic joy and happiness [ 29 ]; and, more broadly, greater physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing [ 31 ].

Similarly, other studies relate motivational orientation with dispositional optimism, suggesting that more optimistic individuals are likely to invest more effort to achieve their ends than pessimistic individuals, who are less engaged and less likely to commit to their assigned tasks [ 2 , 4 ].

5. Conclusions

The results clearly indicate the positive relationship between task-oriented goals, optimism and life satisfaction in adolescents. At the same time, the task-oriented goal acted as a mediating variable between optimism and satisfaction with life, which accentuates the influence of this variable between both constructs. Although we observed the non-mediating effect of the ego-oriented goal between optimism and life satisfaction, we can affirm the bilateral correlational relation with both variables but not its mediating influence. Therefore, along with other personal and contextual variables, these constructs play a critical role in the configuration of the student’s personality and they directly affect their school performance and engagement with their educational centres. It is thus critical to promote these attitudes in both academic and family environments, facilitating students’ optimal personal and academic development. Finally, it is worth stressing that our results are but one step which encourages us to continue our research on the psychological characterisation of adolescence with the ultimate aim of contributing to the optimal personal, social and emotional development of adolescent students.

Acknowledgments

Participants in this research.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; methodology, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; validation, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; formal analysis, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; investigation, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; resources, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; data curation, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; writing—original draft preparation, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; writing—review and editing, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; visualization, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; supervision, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; project administration, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L.; funding acquisition, P.U.S., C.S.B. and V.M.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

This study was supported by “Ibercaja” Foundation (Spain) and University of Zaragoza.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Speech Thesis Statement

In the realm of effective communication, crafting a well-structured and compelling speech thesis statement is paramount. A speech thesis serves as the bedrock upon which impactful oratory is built, encapsulating the core message, purpose, and direction of the discourse. This exploration delves into diverse speech thesis statement examples, offering insights into the art of formulating them. Moreover, it provides valuable tips to guide you in crafting speeches that resonate powerfully with your audience and leave a lasting impact.

What is a Speech Thesis Statement? – Definition

A speech thesis statement is a succinct and focused declaration that encapsulates the central argument, purpose, or message of a speech. It outlines the primary idea the speaker intends to convey to the audience, serving as a guide for the content and structure of the speech.

What is an Example of Speech Thesis Statement?

“In this speech, I will argue that implementing stricter gun control measures is essential for reducing gun-related violence and ensuring public safety. By examining statistical data, addressing common misconceptions, and advocating for comprehensive background checks, we can take meaningful steps toward a safer society.”

In this example, the speech’s main argument, key points (statistics, misconceptions, background checks), and the intended impact (safer society) are all succinctly conveyed in the thesis statement.

100 Speech Thesis Statement Examples

“Today, I will convince you that renewable energy sources are the key to a sustainable and cleaner future.”
“In this speech, I will explore the importance of mental health awareness and advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding it.”
“My aim is to persuade you that adopting a plant-based diet contributes not only to personal health but also to environmental preservation.”
“In this speech, I will discuss the benefits of exercise on cognitive function and share practical tips for integrating physical activity into our daily routines.”
“Today, I’ll argue that access to quality education is a fundamental right for all, and I’ll present strategies to bridge the educational gap.”
“My speech centers around the significance of arts education in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and overall cognitive development in students.”
“Through this speech, I’ll shed light on the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and inspire actionable steps toward plastic reduction.”
“My aim is to persuade you that stricter regulations on social media platforms are imperative to combat misinformation and protect user privacy.”
“Today, I’ll discuss the importance of empathy in building strong interpersonal relationships and provide techniques to cultivate empathy in daily interactions.”
“In this speech, I’ll present the case for implementing universal healthcare, emphasizing its benefits for both individual health and societal well-being.”
“My speech highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and calls for international collaboration in reducing carbon emissions.”
“I will argue that the arts play a crucial role in fostering cultural understanding, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting global harmony.”
“Through this speech, I’ll advocate for the preservation of endangered species and offer strategies to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.”
“Today, I’ll discuss the power of effective time management in enhancing productivity and share practical techniques to prioritize tasks.”
“My aim is to convince you that raising the minimum wage is vital to reducing income inequality and improving the overall quality of life.”
“In this speech, I’ll explore the societal implications of automation and artificial intelligence and propose strategies for a smooth transition into the future.”
“Through this speech, I’ll emphasize the significance of volunteering in community development and suggest ways to get involved in meaningful initiatives.”
“I will argue that stricter regulations on fast food advertising are necessary to address the growing obesity epidemic among children and adolescents.”
“Today, I’ll discuss the importance of financial literacy in personal empowerment and provide practical advice for making informed financial decisions.”
“My speech focuses on the value of cultural diversity in enriching society, fostering understanding, and promoting a more inclusive world.”
“In this speech, I’ll present the case for investing in renewable energy technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on future generations.”
“I will argue that embracing failure as a stepping stone to success is crucial for personal growth and achieving one’s fullest potential.”
“Through this speech, I’ll examine the impact of social media on mental health and offer strategies to maintain a healthy online presence.”
“Today, I’ll emphasize the importance of effective communication skills in professional success and share tips for honing these skills.”
“My aim is to persuade you that stricter gun control measures are essential to reduce gun-related violence and ensure public safety.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the significance of cultural preservation and the role of heritage sites in maintaining the identity and history of communities.”
“I will argue that promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace leads to enhanced creativity, collaboration, and overall organizational success.”
“Through this speech, I’ll explore the impact of social media on political engagement and discuss ways to critically evaluate online information sources.”
“Today, I’ll present the case for investing in public transportation infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and enhance urban mobility.”
“My aim is to persuade you that implementing mindfulness practices in schools can improve students’ focus, emotional well-being, and overall academic performance.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the importance of supporting local businesses for economic growth, community vibrancy, and sustainable development.”
“I will argue that fostering emotional intelligence in children equips them with crucial skills for interpersonal relationships, empathy, and conflict resolution.”
“Through this speech, I’ll emphasize the need for comprehensive sex education that addresses consent, healthy relationships, and informed decision-making.”
“Today, I’ll explore the benefits of embracing a minimalist lifestyle for mental clarity, reduced stress, and a more mindful and sustainable way of living.”
“My aim is to persuade you that sustainable farming practices are essential for preserving ecosystems, ensuring food security, and mitigating climate change.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the importance of civic engagement in democracy and provide strategies for individuals to get involved in their communities.”
“I will argue that investing in early childhood education not only benefits individual children but also contributes to a stronger and more prosperous society.”
“Through this speech, I’ll examine the impact of social media on body image dissatisfaction and offer strategies to promote body positivity and self-acceptance.”
“Today, I’ll present the case for stricter regulations on e-cigarette marketing and sales to curb youth vaping and protect public health.”
“My aim is to persuade you that exploring nature and spending time outdoors is essential for mental and physical well-being in our technology-driven world.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the implications of automation on employment and suggest strategies for reskilling and preparing for the future of work.”
“I will argue that embracing failure as a valuable learning experience fosters resilience, innovation, and personal growth, leading to ultimate success.”
“Through this speech, I’ll emphasize the significance of media literacy in discerning credible information from fake news and ensuring informed decision-making.”
“Today, I’ll explore the benefits of implementing universal healthcare, focusing on improved access to medical services and enhanced public health outcomes.”
“My aim is to persuade you that embracing sustainable travel practices can minimize the environmental impact of tourism and promote cultural exchange.”
“In this speech, I’ll present the case for criminal justice reform, highlighting the importance of alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders.”
“I will argue that instilling a growth mindset in students enhances their motivation, learning abilities, and willingness to face challenges.”
“Through this speech, I’ll discuss the implications of artificial intelligence on the job market and propose strategies for adapting to automation-driven changes.”
“Today, I’ll emphasize the importance of digital privacy awareness and provide practical tips to safeguard personal information online.”
“My aim is to persuade you that investing in renewable energy sources is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic growth.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the significance of cultural preservation and the role of heritage sites in maintaining a sense of identity and history.”
“I will argue that promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace leads to improved creativity, collaboration, and overall organizational performance.”
“Through this speech, I’ll explore the impact of social media on political engagement and offer strategies to critically assess online information.”
“Today, I’ll present the case for investing in public transportation to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and enhance urban mobility.”
“My aim is to persuade you that implementing mindfulness practices in schools can enhance students’ focus, emotional well-being, and academic achievement.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the importance of supporting local businesses for economic growth, community vitality, and sustainable development.”
“I will argue that fostering emotional intelligence in children equips them with essential skills for healthy relationships, empathy, and conflict resolution.”
“Through this speech, I’ll emphasize the need for comprehensive sex education that includes consent, healthy relationships, and informed decision-making.”
“My aim is to persuade you that sustainable farming practices are vital for preserving ecosystems, ensuring food security, and combating climate change.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the importance of civic engagement in democracy and provide strategies for individuals to actively participate in their communities.”
“I will argue that investing in early childhood education benefits not only individual children but also contributes to a stronger and more prosperous society.”
“Through this speech, I’ll examine the impact of social media on body image dissatisfaction and suggest strategies to promote body positivity and self-acceptance.”
“Today, I’ll present the case for stricter regulations on e-cigarette marketing and sales to combat youth vaping and protect public health.”
“My aim is to persuade you that connecting with nature and spending time outdoors is essential for mental and physical well-being in our technology-driven world.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the implications of automation on employment and suggest strategies for reskilling and adapting to the changing job landscape.”
“I will argue that embracing failure as a valuable learning experience fosters resilience, innovation, and personal growth, ultimately leading to success.”
“Through this speech, I’ll emphasize the significance of media literacy in discerning credible information from fake news and making informed decisions.”
“Today, I’ll explore the benefits of implementing universal healthcare, focusing on improved access to medical services and better public health outcomes.”
“My aim is to persuade you that adopting sustainable travel practices can minimize the environmental impact of tourism and promote cultural exchange.”
“I will argue that instilling a growth mindset in students enhances their motivation, learning abilities, and readiness to tackle challenges.”
“Through this speech, I’ll discuss the implications of artificial intelligence on the job market and propose strategies for adapting to the changing landscape.”
“Today, I’ll emphasize the importance of digital privacy awareness and provide practical tips to safeguard personal information in the online world.”
“My aim is to persuade you that investing in renewable energy sources is essential for both environmental sustainability and economic growth.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the transformative power of art therapy in promoting mental well-being and share real-life success stories.”
“I will argue that promoting gender equality not only empowers women but also contributes to economic growth and social progress.”
“Through this speech, I’ll explore the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships and offer strategies to maintain meaningful connections.”
“Today, I’ll present the case for sustainable fashion choices, emphasizing their positive effects on the environment and ethical manufacturing practices.”
“My aim is to persuade you that investing in early childhood education is an investment in the future, leading to a more educated and equitable society.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the significance of community service in building strong communities and share personal stories of volunteering experiences.”
“I will argue that fostering emotional intelligence in children lays the foundation for a harmonious and empathetic society.”
“Through this speech, I’ll emphasize the importance of teaching critical thinking skills in education and how they empower individuals to navigate a complex world.”
“Today, I’ll explore the benefits of embracing a growth mindset in personal and professional development, leading to continuous learning and improvement.”
“My aim is to persuade you that conscious consumerism can drive positive change in industries by supporting ethical practices and environmentally friendly products.”
“In this speech, I’ll present the case for renewable energy as a solution to energy security, reduced carbon emissions, and a cleaner environment.”
“I will argue that investing in mental health support systems is essential for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.”
“Through this speech, I’ll discuss the role of music therapy in enhancing mental health and promoting emotional expression and healing.”
“Today, I’ll emphasize the importance of embracing cultural diversity to foster global understanding, harmony, and peaceful coexistence.”
“My aim is to persuade you that incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines can lead to reduced stress and increased overall well-being.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the implications of genetic engineering and gene editing technologies on ethical considerations and future generations.”
“I will argue that investing in renewable energy infrastructure not only mitigates climate change but also generates job opportunities and economic growth.”
“Through this speech, I’ll explore the impact of social media on political polarization and offer strategies for promoting constructive online discourse.”
“Today, I’ll present the case for embracing experiential learning in education, focusing on hands-on experiences that enhance comprehension and retention.”
“My aim is to persuade you that practicing gratitude can lead to improved mental health, increased happiness, and a more positive outlook on life.”
“In this speech, I’ll discuss the importance of teaching financial literacy in schools to equip students with essential money management skills.”
“I will argue that promoting sustainable agriculture practices is essential to ensure food security, protect ecosystems, and combat climate change.”
“Through this speech, I’ll emphasize the need for greater awareness of mental health issues in society and the importance of reducing stigma.”
“Today, I’ll explore the benefits of incorporating arts and creativity into STEM education to foster innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.”
“My aim is to persuade you that practicing mindfulness and meditation can lead to improved focus, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being.”

Speech Thesis Statement for Introduction

Introductions set the tone for impactful speeches. These thesis statements encapsulate the essence of opening remarks, laying the foundation for engaging discourse.

“Welcome to an exploration of the power of storytelling and its ability to bridge cultures and foster understanding across diverse backgrounds.”
“In this introductory speech, we delve into the realm of artificial intelligence, examining its potential to reshape industries and redefine human capabilities.”
“Join us as we navigate the fascinating world of space exploration and the role of technological advancements in uncovering the mysteries of the universe.”
“Through this speech, we embark on a journey through history, highlighting pivotal moments that have shaped civilizations and continue to inspire change.”
“Today, we embark on a discussion about the significance of empathy in our interactions, exploring how it can enrich our connections and drive positive change.”
“In this opening address, we dive into the realm of sustainable living, exploring practical steps to reduce our environmental footprint and promote eco-consciousness.”
“Join us as we explore the evolution of communication, from ancient symbols to modern technology, and its impact on how we connect and convey ideas.”
“Welcome to an exploration of the intricate relationship between art and emotion, uncovering how artistic expression transcends language barriers and unites humanity.”
“In this opening statement, we examine the changing landscape of work and career, discussing strategies to navigate career transitions and embrace lifelong learning.”
“Today, we delve into the concept of resilience and its role in facing adversity, offering insights into how resilience can empower us to overcome challenges.”

Speech Thesis Statement for Graduation

Graduation speeches mark significant milestones. These thesis statements encapsulate the achievements, aspirations, and challenges faced by graduates as they move forward.

“As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter, let’s reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and embrace the uncertainties that lie ahead.”
“In this graduation address, we celebrate not only our academic accomplishments but also the personal growth, resilience, and friendships that have enriched our years here.”
“As we step into the world beyond academia, let’s remember that learning is a lifelong journey, and the skills we’ve honed will propel us toward success.”
“Today, we bid farewell to the familiar and embrace the unknown, armed with the knowledge that every challenge we face is an opportunity for growth.”
“In this commencement speech, we acknowledge the collective accomplishments of our class and embrace the responsibility to contribute positively to the world.”
“As we graduate, let’s carry with us the values instilled by our education, applying them not only in our careers but also in shaping a more just and compassionate society.”
“Join me in celebrating the diversity of talents and perspectives that define our graduating class, and let’s channel our unique strengths to make a meaningful impact.”
“Today, we honor the culmination of our academic pursuits and embrace the journey of continuous learning that will shape our personal and professional paths.”
“In this graduation address, we acknowledge the support of our families, educators, and peers, recognizing that our successes are a testament to shared effort.”
“As we don our caps and gowns, let’s remember that our education equips us not only with knowledge but also with the power to effect positive change in the world.”

Speech Thesis Statement For Acceptance

Acceptance speeches express gratitude and acknowledge achievements. These thesis statements capture the essence of acknowledgment, appreciation, and commitment.

“I am humbled and honored by this recognition, and I pledge to use this platform to amplify the voices of the marginalized and work toward equity.”
“As I accept this award, I express my gratitude to those who believed in my potential, and I commit to using my skills to contribute meaningfully to our community.”
“Receiving this honor is a testament to the collaborative efforts that make achievements possible. I am dedicated to sharing this success with those who supported me.”
“Accepting this award, I am reminded of the responsibility that accompanies it. I vow to continue striving for excellence and inspiring those around me.”
“As I receive this recognition, I extend my deepest appreciation to my mentors, colleagues, and family, and I promise to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation.”
“Accepting this accolade, I recognize that success is a team effort. I commit to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in all my endeavors.”
“Receiving this honor, I am reminded of the privilege I have to effect change. I dedicate myself to leveraging this platform for the betterment of society.”
“Accepting this award, I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my journey. I am committed to using my influence to uplift others and drive positive change.”
“As I stand here, I am deeply moved by this recognition. I pledge to use this honor as a catalyst for making a meaningful impact on the lives of those I encounter.”
“Accepting this distinction, I embrace the responsibility it brings. I promise to uphold the values that guided me to this moment and channel my efforts toward progress.”

Speech Thesis Statement in Extemporaneous

Extemporaneous speeches require quick thinking and concise communication. These thesis statements capture the essence of on-the-spot analysis and delivery.

“On the topic of technological disruption, we explore its effects on job markets, emphasizing the importance of upskilling for the workforce’s evolving demands.”
“In this impromptu speech, we dissect the complexities of global climate agreements, assessing their impact on environmental sustainability and international cooperation.”
“Addressing the issue of cyberbullying, we examine its psychological consequences, potential legal remedies, and strategies to create safer online spaces.”
“Discussing the merits of universal basic income, we weigh its potential to alleviate poverty, stimulate economic growth, and reshape the social safety net.”
“As we delve into the debate on genetically modified organisms, we consider the benefits of increased crop yields, while also evaluating environmental and health concerns.”
“On the topic of urbanization, we analyze its benefits in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange, while addressing challenges of infrastructure and inequality.”
“Delving into the controversy surrounding artificial intelligence, we explore its transformative potential in various sectors, touching on ethical considerations and fears of job displacement.”
“In this impromptu speech, we examine the impact of social media on political discourse, highlighting the role of echo chambers and the need for critical thinking.”
“Addressing the issue of mental health stigma, we discuss the societal barriers that prevent seeking help, while advocating for open conversations and destigmatization.”
“Discussing the concept of ethical consumerism, we weigh the impact of consumer choices on industries, environment, and labor rights, emphasizing the power of informed purchasing.”

Speech Thesis Statement in Argumentative Essay

Argumentative speeches present clear stances on contentious topics. These thesis statements assert positions while indicating the direction of the ensuing debate.

“In this argumentative speech, we assert that mandatory voting fosters civic participation and strengthens democracy by ensuring diverse voices are heard.”
“Advocating for stricter gun control, we contend that regulations on firearm access are vital for public safety, reducing gun violence, and preventing tragedies.”
“Arguing for the benefits of school uniforms, we posit that uniforms promote a focused learning environment, reduce socioeconomic disparities, and enhance school spirit.”
“In this persuasive speech, we assert that capital punishment should be abolished due to its potential for wrongful executions, lack of deterrence, and ethical concerns.”
“Taking a stand against standardized testing, we argue that these assessments stifle creativity, promote rote learning, and fail to measure true intellectual potential.”
“Defending the benefits of renewable energy, we assert that transitioning to sustainable sources will mitigate climate change, create jobs, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.”
“Addressing the merits of open borders, we contend that welcoming immigrants bolsters cultural diversity, contributes to economic growth, and upholds humanitarian values.”
“In this persuasive speech, we argue against the use of animal testing, asserting that modern alternatives exist to ensure scientific progress without unnecessary suffering.”
“Advocating for comprehensive sex education, we assert that teaching about contraception, consent, and healthy relationships equips students to make informed choices.”
“Arguing for universal healthcare, we posit that accessible medical services are a basic human right, contributing to improved public health, reduced disparities, and economic stability.”

These examples offer a range of thesis statements for various types of speeches, catering to different contexts and styles of presentation. Tailor them to fit your specific needs and adjust the content as necessary to create impactful speeches.

Is There a Thesis Statement in a Speech?

Yes, a thesis statement is an essential component of a speech. Just like in written essays, a thesis statement in a speech serves as the central point or main idea that the speaker wants to convey to the audience. It provides focus, direction, and a preview of the content that will follow in the speech. A well-crafted thesis statement helps the audience understand the purpose of the speech and what they can expect to learn or gain from listening.

What is the Thesis Structure of a Speech?

The structure of a thesis statement in a speech is similar to that of a thesis statement in an essay, but it’s adapted for the spoken format. A speech thesis generally consists of:

Topic: Clearly state the topic or subject of your speech. This provides the context for your thesis and gives the audience an idea of the subject matter.
Main Idea or Argument: Present the main point you want to make or the central argument you’ll be discussing in your speech. This should be a concise and focused statement that encapsulates the essence of your message.
Supporting Points: Optionally, you can include a brief overview of the main supporting points or arguments that you’ll elaborate on in the body of your speech. This gives the audience an outline of what to expect.

How Do You Write a Speech Thesis Statement? – Step by Step Guide

Choose Your Topic: Select a topic that is relevant to your audience and aligns with the purpose of your speech.
Identify Your Main Message: Determine the central message or argument you want to convey. What is the key takeaway you want your audience to remember?
Craft a Concise Statement: Write a clear and concise sentence that captures the essence of your main message. Make sure it’s specific and avoids vague language.
Consider Your Audience: Tailor your thesis statement to your audience’s level of understanding and interests. Use language that resonates with them.
Review and Refine: Read your thesis statement aloud to ensure it sounds natural and engaging. Refine it as needed to make it compelling.

Tips for Writing a Speech Thesis Statement

Be Specific: A strong thesis statement is specific and focused. Avoid vague or general statements.
Avoid Jargon: Use language that your audience can easily understand, avoiding complex jargon or technical terms unless you explain them.
One Main Idea: Stick to one main idea or argument. Multiple ideas can confuse your audience.
Preview Supporting Points: If applicable, briefly preview the main supporting points you’ll cover in your speech.
Reflect the Purpose: Your thesis should reflect the purpose of your speech—whether it’s to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire.
Keep It Concise: A thesis statement is not a paragraph. Keep it to a single sentence that encapsulates your message.
Practice Pronunciation: If your thesis statement includes challenging words or terms, practice pronouncing them clearly.
Test for Clarity: Ask someone to listen to your thesis statement and summarize what they understood from it. This can help you gauge its clarity.
Revise as Necessary: Don’t be afraid to revise your thesis statement as you refine your speech. It’s important that it accurately represents your content.
Capture Interest: Craft your thesis statement in a way that captures the audience’s interest and curiosity, encouraging them to listen attentively.

Remember, the thesis statement sets the tone for your entire speech. It should be well-crafted, engaging, and reflective of the main message you want to communicate to your audience.

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Dua Lipa Is the Ultimate It Girl in Red Tights and No Pants

She championed two of the season’s hottest trends

The “Training Season” hitmaker took to Instagram to share a series of photos in promotion of the alternative artwork for her upcoming third studio album (set to drop May 3). Like everything she does, Lipa made a statement. The images see her in a white tank top with a holographic red, blue, and beige pattern across the front, a pair of sheer red tights, and white boy-briefs underwear. Statement tights? Check. Pop of red ? Check. No pants ? Check. Utterly fabulous? I mean, do we even have to ask?

The Barbie star finished everything off with white pointed-toe slingback kitten heels and tiny hoop earrings. As for beauty, she styled her voluminous, fiery-red locks down and glammed up with minimal makeup, but brought one more fun touch in the form of silver chrome nails.

Lipa has been enjoying going sans pants. On Thursday , she stepped out during a rainy day in London in head-to-toe Ferragamo. Her look consisted of a black mock-neck zip-up jacket over black bodycon micro shorts, paired with matching sheer tights, leather knee-high boots, and a black leather tote bag fresh off of Prada’s Fall 2024 ready-to-wear runway. For a pop of color, she added an earthy-green leather trench coat .

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glendale, arizona march 17 editorial use only and no commercial use at any time no use on publication covers is permitted after august 9, 2023 taylor swift performs onstage for the opening night of taylor swift the eras tour at state farm stadium on march 17, 2023 in swift city, erazona glendale, arizona the city of glendale, arizona was ceremonially renamed to swift city for march 17 18 in honor of the eras tour photo by kevin wintergetty images for tas rights management

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News for Spotify

Spotify Q1 Preview: Analyst Sees 2024 Shaping Up With Revenue Acceleration, Enhanced Margins

As Spotify Technology SA (NYSE:SPOT) gears up for its first-quarter earnings release on April 23. Wall Street expects Spotify to report 81 cents in EPS and $3.95 billion in revenue.

Spotify stock is up 135% over the past year, rising 64% YTD. As the company heads towards its Q1 earnings print, analysts are buzzing with optimism and anticipation.

The Spotify Analyst

Analyst Doug Anmuth from JPMorgan shares key insights that shed light on Spotify’s potential growth trajectory, and strategic moves ahead of the earnings release. Anmuth, who is Overweight on Spotify stock, has raised his price target on Spotify stock from $280 to $320 a share.

Also Read: Spotify Goes A Step Further On Its AI Journey

The Spotify Thesis

Bullish outlook and growth prospects.

Anmuth’s analysis underscores a bullish stance on Spotify. He anticipates Spotify to deliver revenue growth acceleration, sequential gross & operating margin expansion, and healthy free cash flow in 2024. “Podcasts Gross Margins are ‘very close’ to breakeven & we believe should flip positive for full-year 2024,” said Anmuth.

He predicts a more balanced revenue growth across subscribers and average revenue per user (ARPU) in 2024. Anmuth sees the growth being fueled by strong momentum and strategic initiatives.

Price Increases and CFO Christian Luiga’s Hir ing

Anmuth touched upon the possibility of price increases in select markets, highlighting the potential impact on Spotify’s financials and operational execution. “While we believe Spotify maintains L-T pricing power, the company may need some distance from the price increases across 50+ markets in 2023 to effectively manage acquisition & churn,” he wrote.

The analyst also noted that “we do not anticipate the company pursuing a more complicated, tiered pricing strategy that excludes certain audio verticals.”

On the recent announcement of Christian Luiga as CFO, Anmuth said, “we believe Luiga comes to Spotify with a background of strong operational & financial execution.”

Optimistic Projections

Heading into the first-quarter earnings, Anmuth tweaks estimates and raises projections for MAU (Monthly Active Users) and Premium Subscriber Net Adds, reflecting continued confidence in Spotify’s growth trajectory.

Despite increased Social Charges weighing on 1Q Operating Income, Anmuth remains bullish on Spotify’s potential to drive positive Operating Income, Net Income, and FCF growth in 2024.

Anmuth’s projections support Spotify’s premium valuation, underpinning the optimism surrounding its earnings preview and long-term growth potential.

SPOT Price Action: Spotify stock was up 0.3% at $311.71 at the time of publication Monday.

Read Next: If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 5 Years Ago, You Would Have $2,100 Today

Photo courtesy of Spotify.

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Essay on Optimism

100 Words Essay on Optimism

The Power of Optimism

Practicing Optimism

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Optimism and Psychological Well-being

Optimism and Physical Health

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28 Optimism

Optimism and Subjective Well-Being

Optimism, Pessimism, and Coping

Promoting Well-Being

Pessimism and Health-Defeating Behaviors

Optimism and Physical Well-Being

Is Optimism Always Better than Pessimism?

Cultural Issues

Can Pessimists Become Optimists?

Concluding Comment

Questions for the Future

Acknowledgments

Appendix: Items of the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), a measure of optimism versus pessimism

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55 Optimism Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Optimism Study Gives Optimists More Reason to Be Optimistic

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Hope is not the same as optimism, a psychologist explains − just look at MLK’s example

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Exploring the Psychological Effects of Optimism on Life Satisfaction in Students: The Mediating Role of Goal Orientations

Carlos Salavera Bordás

Víctor Murillo Lorente

1. Introduction

2.1. Sample

2.2. Measurement Scales

2.3. Procedure

2.4. Data Analysis

3.1. Descriptive Variables

3.2. Correlational Analysis between Optimism, Goal Orientation and Life Satisfaction

3.3. Mediation Effects of Goal Orientation on the Relationship between Optimism and Satisfaction with Life

4. Discussion

5. Conclusions

Acknowledgments

Author Contributions

Conflicts of Interest

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