Positivity matters : how positive thinking and emotions influence physical health and well-being

Abstract

Research shows that positivity and physical health are positively correlated. This dissertation explored this relationship using a total of 260 students from the University of Malta and the University of Stirling in Scotland using the Cohen-Hoberman Inventory of Physical Symptoms (CHIPS) and the Positivity Scale (P-Scale). The results of this study demonstrated an inverse relationship between the amount of reported physical symptoms in the CHIPS and the scores of positivity. The Maltese sample scored a mean P-Score of 21.50 while the Scottish sample scored a mean of 20.09, indicating that the Maltese are more positive. The Maltese sample received a mean CHIPS score of 28.73 while the Scottish sample received a mean CHIPS score of 25.73, indicating that the Maltese experience more physical symptoms than the Scottish. This was interesting as it would be expected that the more positive sample would also experience better physical health. The results of this study are discussed with reference to relevant literature.