Image: Research from the University of Georgia found a more positive outlook for the future of humanity among people who live in areas with historically higher levels of disease. UGA Psychology's Brian Haas led the study, which was co-authored by Xiaobin Lou, fourth-year PhD candidate, and included contributions from more than 50 additional researchers worldwide. The researchers believe this positive perspective about the future may be an evolutionary adaptation because thinking positively confers several physical and mental health advantages. “There are many ways that people cope with risk to survival. One way people may thrive when conditions are risky and difficult is to adopt a positive perspective about the future,” said Brian Haas, lead author of the study and an associate professor in the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. That information may be passed down through generations. “There is something to this idea of when things are difficult, thinking that this ship that we’re all on is going in a good direction that benefits people in several ways.” Although it’s important to be realistic, the researchers said, the survey results indicate that believing humanity is going in the right direction may enhance health and ultimately survival. Continue reading... Image: Illustration by Kaiya Plagenhoef
