How Does Physical Health Influence the Perception of Optimism? A Longitudinal Social Network Analysis

Background: Extensive literature has explored the association between optimism and enhanced physical health. Despite this well-established link, understanding specific mechanisms by which physical health can influence the perception of optimistic peers remains a challenge. The biosocial perspective highlights the role of biological differences in the development of positive psychological attributes, such as optimism, while also recognizing the significant influence of the social environment on this relationship. In this study, we aim to explore the extent to which physical health symptoms predict the perception of being perceived as an optimistic individual. Method: A cohort of 240 university students across 14 undergraduate classes participated in this longitudinal study, completing two assessments spaced seven months apart. Participants completed (1) self-report measures on physical health symptoms, encompassing sleep disturbances, headaches, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal problems, and (2) pencil-and-paper tasks to identify classmates whom they perceived as optimistic individuals. Employing a longitudinal social network analysis approach, we utilized the temporal exponential-family random graph model (TERGM) in Rstudio to analyze the influence of self-reported physical health symptoms on the selection of optimistic peers. Results: Our findings revealed that symptoms associated with sleep disturbances and respiratory infections predicted less nominations of being perceived as an optimistic individual. Notably, the negative association with respiratory problems persisted over time. Conclusions: The presence of specific physical health issues can significantly impact how individuals are perceived by others, concerning optimism. These results expand existing literature by emphasizing the role of social judgments within peer networks.