EXPLANATORY STYLE

THE way you explain life’s setbacks to yourself is important. Psychologists say that an optimistic (and therefore more resilient) “explanatory style” is composed of three main elements.

Firstly, optimistic people view the effects of bad events as being temporary rather than permanent. Secondly, resilient people do not let setbacks affect unrelated areas of their life. Finally, resilient people do not blame themselves when bad events occur. They see other people or circumstances as being the cause.

People with an optimistic explanatory style tend to be happier, healthier, and more successful. Those with a pessimistic explanatory style are more prone to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.