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optimism
You believe bad things only happen to others.
You consistently underestimate the probability that you will experience negative life events.
In a 1980 study, students rated their own risk of issues like health problems or accidents as much lower than their peers, even when objective stats suggested otherwise. This preserves your sense of safety.
You are the exception in your own personal risk assessment.
Where this comes from
- Study
- Weinstein, 1980
- What the check found
- Neil D. Weinstein's 1980 study is the seminal paper on 'unrealistic optimism.' The provided reference material lists a different historical figure, but the claim correctly identifies the academic source.
- Confidence
- Solid, with limits
Related
One of these every day, and every one names the study it came from. When a finding is contested, it says so.