Brain scans show optimists share way they think about the future

When a potentially stressful event is looming - be it an exam, a flight or a health check - some people take a sunny view of the future while others plan for catastrophes.

- Nicola Davis

Now researchers have found that people with an upbeat outlook show similar patterns of brain activity to each other when looking ahead.

Kuniaki Yanagisawa, first author of the research from Kobe University in Japan, said the study helped shed light on previous findings that showed optimists tended to be more socially successful.

"What this [new study] tells us is that the foundation of their social success might be this shared reality," he said. "It's not just about having a positive attitude; it's that their brains are literally on the same wavelength, which may allow for a deeper, more intuitive kind of connection."