Optimism and Pessimism Differentially Predict Coping Strategies Among Older Adults: Implications for Well-Being

Optimism is associated with adaptive coping strategies. However, there is a paucity of work exploring the relative associations between optimism, pessimism, and coping among older adults. We found that optimism predicted approach coping styles and pessimism predicted avoidant coping styles. Coping also mediated associations between optimism, pessimism, and well-being.