The mental state affects life expectancy
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Scientists from the city of Pittsburgh (USA, Pennsylvania) found 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 for a few years.
Many psychologists believe that aggressive and destructive behavior, pessimistic mood and resentment can adversely affect the general state of human health and even lead to premature death. On the other hand, several studies and opinion polls show that optimistic people who are in a good mood often live longer and are considered less prone to chronic diseases.
A group of psychologists from Pennsylvania conducted another study aimed at studying the relationship between life expectancy and the mental state of an adult. During the study, under the supervision of specialists, there were about one hundred thousand volunteers. Psychologists observed the behavior of people, the state of mental health and, of course, investigated cases of premature death, not associated with serious diseases.
The results of the research showed that the constant aggressive and destructive behavior, resentment, as well as pessimism and bad mood can be considered the cause of chronic diseases, poor health and even the reason for the decrease in the average life expectancy. A study in Pennsylvania proved the theory of those psychologists who had previously traced the relationship between the mental and physical health of a person, and also discovered new facts that up to this point scientists were not aware of.
For example, after the experiment, the fact that the optimistic mood and vigor of the spirit positively influences the state of the organs of the cardiovascular system became obvious. Benevolent people, who have not been seen attacks of aggression or bad mood, virtually rule out the possibility of the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Some scientists even call impressive figures: in their opinion, an optimist person who does not have a bad mood, reduces by 10-12% for his organism the risk of heart or vascular disease. Indeed, among the volunteers who suffered a myocardial infarction, there was not a single merry fellow.
A curious feature was noticed that concerns the content of cholesterol in the blood. Scientists have noticed that aggressive behavior can contribute to increased cholesterol release. Therefore, people who have a level of substance in the blood close to critical, it is worth considering that it is their behavior and mood that can lead to health problems.
Read also: Aggression can trigger a stroke
Aggressive and embittered people often die due to heart disease, and pathologies occur already in adulthood. Specialists recommend paying special attention to mental health, since it can be the primary cause of dangerous diseases that can lead to death.