The Role of Optimism Regarding Nutrition and Health Behavior November 9, 2011

1. The Role of Optimism Regarding Nutrition and Health BehaviorNovember 9, 2011 Presenter: LuAnn Soliah, PhD, RD Director of Nutrition Sciences Program Baylor University Moderator: James M. Rippe, MD – Leading cardiologist, Founder and Director, Rippe Lifestyle Institute Approved for 1 CPE (Level 2) by the American Dietetic Association Commission on Dietetic Registration • Recording of the November 9, 2011 webinar and PDF download of complete PowerPoint available at: www.ConAgraFoodsScienceInstitute.com

2. Nutri-Bitessm Summary The Role of Optimism on Nutrition and Health Behaviors This webinar covered: • Measurements of optimism including the Life Orientation Test (LOT) and the LOT-Revised • Research on the association between optimism and health behaviors, specifically related to eating behaviors • Strategies health professionals can use in counseling to help clients approach health and nutrition changes optimistically

3. Basic facts • Nutrition and health are well connected. • Evidence: • Nutrition is related to several major diseases • Nutrition is a fundamental component of growth, healing, and overall well-being • Appropriate nutrition is related to reduced rates of mortality, morbidity, disability, and frailty in the elderly • Nutrition is related to improved workplace productivity and reduced health care costs Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010. http://www.healthypeople.gov

4. Measurements of Optimism • Life Orientation Test (LOT)...12questions Some examples include: * I am a believe in the idea that “every cloud has a silver lining” * It’s easy for me to relax. * Things never work out the way I want them to. • Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R)….10 questions * If something can go wrong it will. * I don’t get upset too easily. * In uncertain times, I usually expect the best. Source: Scheier et al. Health Psychol (1985). Scheier et al. CognTh Res (1992). Wenglert et al J Mgmt (1995). Ylostalo et al Eur J Oral Sci(2003).

5. Optimists and health behavior:what does the research imply? • Health * improved physical and mental health* enhanced physical and social function* lower stress levels • Well-being* goal achievement* confident about the future* determined effort to achieve goals* problem-focused coping strategy* higher quality of life* better self-observation* increased health awareness Source: Smith et al. J Health Psychol. (2004). Wrosh et al. Qual Life Res. (2003).

6. Specific health benefits • Live longer, heal faster • Higher levels of health • Health conscious, physically active • Better nutrition • Spiritual growth • Interpersonal relations • Stress management • Health self-responsibility Source: Scheier et al. Health Psychol (1985). Mulkanna et al. Am J Health Behav. (2001). Ylostalo et al. J Dent Res. (2003).

7. Food selection decisions and gender: • Simplistic, pleasure-oriented relationship with food • Warm, chewy, and hearty food • Complicated relationship with food • Restrained eating • Dieting • Disordered eating • Sweets/fatty food for comfort MEN WOMEN Source: Kiefer et al. J Men’s Health and Gender (2005). Fraser et al. Prev Med (2000). Guthrie et al . J Am Diet Assoc (2000). Weinstein et al. Appetite (1997).

8. Conditions that predict Successful changes in dietary habits • Optimism • Higher education • Older age • Greater social support • Fewer stressful events • Higher scores on mental, physical and general healthgoal setting • Consistent attendance at dietary educational sessions • Self-monitoring behavior • Contact with counselors Source: Tinker et al. J Am Diet Assoc. (2007).

9. Life Orientation Test – revised (LOT-R) The Life Orientation Test (LOT and LOT-revised) were developed to assess individual differences in generalized optimism versus pessimism. The LOT and LOT-R are research instruments, not intended for clinical applications. Five point scale – no set cut point for optimism/pessimism, adds additional dimension A = I agree a lot B = I agree a little C = I neither agree nor disagree D = I disagree a little E = I disagree a lot Source: Scheier et al. CognTh Res (1992). Scheier et al. J Pers Soc Psychol. (1994).

10. Life Orientation Test – revised (LOT-R) 1. In uncertain times, I usually expect the best.2. It’s easy for me to relax.3. If something can go wrong for me, it will.4. I’m always optimistic about my future. 5. I enjoy my friends a lot.6. It’s important for me to keep busy.7. I hardly ever expect things to go my way.8. I don’t get upset too easily.9. I rarely count on good things happening to me.10. Overall, I expect more good things to happen to me than bad. Source: Scheier et al. CognTh Res (1992). Scheier et al. J Pers Soc Psychol. (1994).

11. Action steps • Listen/observe/watch for clues of behavior state (pessimism/optimism) • Personally, be aware of our own self-talk • Read about optimism and positive psychology • Remind clients about favorable events, progress, positive changes (small steps) • Print/type/use LOT-revised instrument (Scheier et al. Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism: a reevaluation of the LOT. J PersSoc Psychol. (1994); 67:1063-1078.)

12. Suggested resources Journal articles • Tinker LF, Rosal MC, Young AF et al. Predictors of dietary change and maintenance in the Women’s Health Initiative Dietary modification trial. J Am Diet Assoc. 2007; 107:1155-1165. • Seligman ME. Csikszentimihalyi M. Positive psychology: An introduction. Am Psychol. 2000; 55:5-14. • Seligman ME, Steen TA, Park N, Peterson C. Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. Am Psychol. 2005; 60 (5):410-421. Books • Handbook of Positive Psychology(2001) CR Snyder & SJ Lopez (editors) • Authentic Happiness(2003) ME Seligman • A Psychology of Human Strengths(2002) LG Aspinwall & UM Staudinger • Flourishing(2002) CM Keyes, J Haidt, ME Seligman Key research search words: optimism, resilience, learned optimism, hope, perseverance, persistence