QUESTION

It is widely assumed that optimists have qualities that pessimists should try to acquire. The importance of "the power of positive thinking" is often being stressed. However, a recent study of 1200 men and women who were rated in 1922 for their optimism or pessimism has found that those rated as optimistic/cheerful/having a sense of humour died earlier than those who were not. The explanation is simple. Because they have to live with negative emotions, pessimists are better placed to deal with bad experiences (rather than the optimists who always blame others or bad luck). It is this ability to cope with the world which explains why pessimists live longer than optimists.

Which of the following, is more likely to strengthen the above argument?

A Most people are not optimistic or pessimistic all of the time.

B Optimists are more likely than pessimists to engage in risk-taking.

C Pessimists are much more realistic and better capable to cope with real life problems than optimists.

D Pessimists are more likely than optimists to worry about ill-health.