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Mental health affects longevity
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Scientists from the city of Pittsburgh (USA, Pennsylvania) have found out that the average life expectancy of a person can directly depend on his mental state and even named character traits that, in their opinion, can shorten life by several years.
Many psychologists believe that aggressive and destructive behavior, pessimistic mood and bitterness can negatively affect a person’s overall health and even lead to premature death. On the other hand, several studies and sociological surveys show that optimistic people with a good mood often live longer and are considered less susceptible to chronic diseases.
A group of psychologists from Pennsylvania conducted another study aimed at studying the connection between life expectancy and the mental state of an adult. During the study, about one hundred thousand volunteers were under the supervision of specialists. Psychologists observed people's behavior, mental health, and, of course, studied cases of premature death not related to serious illnesses.
The results of the study showed that constant aggressive and destructive behavior, anger, as well as pessimism and bad mood can be considered the cause of chronic diseases, poor health and even the cause of a decrease in average life expectancy. The study, conducted in Pennsylvania, proved the theories of those psychologists who had previously traced the relationship between mental and physical health of a person, and also discovered new facts that were unknown to scientists until then.
For example, after conducting the experiment, it became obvious that an optimistic mood and cheerfulness have a positive effect on the condition of the cardiovascular system. Friendly people who have not been observed to have attacks of aggression or bad mood practically exclude the possibility of cardiovascular diseases for themselves. Some scientists even cite impressive figures: in their opinion, an optimistic person who is never in a bad mood reduces the risk of heart or vascular diseases for their body by 10-12%. And indeed, among the volunteers who suffered a myocardial infarction, there was not a single cheerful person.
An interesting feature has been noted concerning the cholesterol content in the blood. Scientists have noticed that aggressive behavior can contribute to increased cholesterol secretion. Therefore, people whose blood level of the substance is close to critical should think about the fact that their behavior and mood can lead to health problems.
Read also: Aggression can trigger a stroke
Aggressive and embittered people often die as a result of heart disease, and pathologies arise already in adulthood. Experts recommend paying special attention to mental health, since it can be the root cause of dangerous diseases that can lead to death.