Can the power of positive thinking actually help you live longer? A new study suggests it’s not just about thinking happy thoughts, but about developing a resilient mindset that can weather life’s storms.
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, the ability to bounce back from adversity might be more than just a valuable life skill – it could be the key to a longer life. Psychological resilience, often described as mental toughness or the ability to cope with and adapt to difficult life circumstances, has long been recognized as an important factor in mental health and well-being. But this new research, published in BMJ Mental Health, shows how its benefits may extend far beyond emotional stability.
How do scientists measure psychological resilience?
The study, led by researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in China and the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, examined data from over 10,000 Americans aged 50 and older who participated in the Health and Retirement Study between 2006 and 2008. The researchers followed these individuals for an average of 11.6 years, tracking their health outcomes and mortality rates up until May 2021.
What they found was striking: people with higher levels of psychological resilience had a significantly lower risk of dying during the study period compared to those with lower resilience scores. In fact, individuals in the highest quartile of resilience scores had a 53% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those in the lowest quartile. That’s a substantial difference that highlights the potential life-saving power of mental toughness.
But what exactly does psychological resilience look like in practice? The researchers measured it using a simplified resilience score based on 12 questions. These questions assessed various aspects of a person’s mental approach to life, including their ability to persevere through difficulties, stay calm under pressure, maintain a sense of purpose, rely on themselves, and face challenges alone when necessary.
For example, participants were asked how much they agreed with statements like “I can handle anything that comes my way” or “I like challenges and beating the odds.” Those who strongly agreed with such statements tended to have higher resilience scores.
How does mental toughness compare to other lifespan factors?
Interestingly, the study found that the relationship between resilience and mortality risk was almost linear – meaning that even small increases in resilience were associated with a lower risk of death. This suggests that developing greater mental toughness could benefit anyone, regardless of their starting point.
The protective effect of resilience remained strong even after the researchers accounted for various factors that might influence mortality risk, such as age, sex, race, body mass index, chronic health conditions, and health-related behaviors like smoking and physical activity. This indicates that resilience has an independent effect on longevity, above and beyond these other well-known risk factors.
So why might psychological resilience have such a powerful impact on our lifespan? While the study doesn’t provide a definitive answer, there are several possible explanations. Resilient individuals may be better equipped to handle stress, which can take a significant toll on physical health over time. They might also be more likely to maintain healthy behaviors and seek medical care when needed, even in the face of adversity.
Moreover, resilience is often associated with a more positive outlook on life, which has been linked to better health outcomes in numerous studies. People with high resilience may be more likely to find meaning and purpose in their lives, maintain strong social connections, and approach aging with a more optimistic attitude – all factors that have been shown to contribute to longevity.