Psychology Behind Pessimism

Elempe Dele

The clearest definition of pessimism is associated with negativity – that notion of a “glass half-empty” attitude, depression and varieties of temper disorder.

Pessimism is defined as a mental attitude in which an undesirable outcome is anticipated from a given situation. The pessimist tend to focus on the negatives of life in general. He is suspicious when things are going the right way or going well – against his subconscious expectations.

Although it is argued that it not a mental illness, but a personality trait in which some people have negative view of life due to several factors such as loss or disappoitment or death. It is however not a trait people normally aspire to because of its severe impact and health issues.

On the far side of pessimism is optimism. While the pessimist sees things from the angle of negativity, the optimist sees things from the positive angle. The optimist tend to focus his attention on the advantages of situations while the pessimist relishes, lives, aspire, dream and expect to be seen focusing all his inherent energy on the disadvantages.

The pessimist envision doom, he is of the mindset bad things are going to happen, he looks at the impediments that will occur. Opposed to his trait is the optimist who looks at the silver linning, light in the tunnel and a brighter horizon even when things look gloomy at that present moment.

Life, as viewed by a pure pessimist has no meaning or purpose. He tends towards being a nihilist and creates cynicism in whatever he sees. Most pessimists have taken positions on issues, they cannot be dissuaded. They do not seem to see life as one that dangles between ups and downs because their focused attention is on the negative.

Take for example a road contruction by the government, or a philantropist. The pessimist sees how the project will ruin trees, destroys existing buildings along the line, and make lives miserable because of dust and the sounds of earth-moving equipments. But the optimist will look at the free flow of the traffic, its commercial value, and others of its functionalities.

The traits of a pessimist are visible, you can easily tell who actually is a pessimist: he does not acknowledge that things positive happens when his expectations were negative. He feels angered when things he had condemned to fail works out. The pessimist goes about looking for what he wants from all nooks and crannies; bad news, bad outcomes, failures, disappointments and all the negativities that fulfill his enchantments. His focus is on what must go wrong in his estimation, his projections and his desires.

His balance is on hopelessness, no other possibility. His efforts are concentrated on flaws or possibilities of it. Strength in times of trials and challenges is not part of his expectations. The pessimist often experience what is called imposter sydrome( self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals)

The pessimist is angered towards people who display optimistic outlook. They call them names, haul insult on them and go to look for news that should court them to their sides. Most times, the pessimist’s pasttime is to engage in negative self-talk – that injurious negative monologue.

He tells himself and others who care to listen that all good things wont last, they will come to an end sooner or later. He takes advantage of the bad or unfavourable status quo rather than be part of a change agent because he does not desire the positive because that will negate his vision.

There are several seperate and interlocking reasons why people end up being pessimistic. Past experiences, family issues, genetics, social and environmental factors.

As it is with every social and psychological issue, pessimism comes with its impact. The pessimist has a greater tendency towards depression and anxiety disorders. He may find it difficult to cope with stress, less resilient in the face of challenges and may also have social life difficulties. All these, no doubt, affect his outlook on life. The pessimist have a mindset which purposes him to often discount positive situations while focusing on the negative situations.

This produces a sense of insecurity which may lead to failure. While the optimist is focused on the positive rather the negative to help him navigate through bad times, the pessimist is already stationed on the helpless position, he cannot be moved. While the optimist seeks solution, the pessimist builds his house in the problem as if in it he finds joy and comfort.

Apart from the impact of pessimism, there are known risk of this outlook on life. There are risk of depression according to studies. There are also risks of anxiety disorder and low self-esteem. The pessimist often experience isolation, inner and outside conflict, poor health and lowered overall well-being. Studies shows that pessimism contributes to negative health effects such as heart diseases and even death.

The biggest risk associated with being a pessimist is not being optimistic. Studies also show that optimists tend to be healthier, happier, more successful in their social and financial lives, and enjoy stronger and more interpersonal relationships.