In the face of life’s ups and downs, some maintain unshakeable optimism, convinced the future will always be bright. This positive outlook often leads them to adopt a lighter and more cheerful approach to everyday life.
While seeing the glass as half full may seem naive, a US study claims this kind of mindset could help people better cope with life’s difficulties and strengthen resilience.
To better understand how a playful attitude influences our ability to adapt, Xiangyou Shen and Zoe Crawley of Oregon State University surveyed 503 American adults in February 2021, in the midst of the pandemic. Their objective was to analyse the links between these individuals’ perception of the situation and their playfulness and spontaneity.
To do this, they studied several criteria, such as risk perception, optimism about the future, social support, and the strategies adopted to overcome difficulties. They also classified the participants according to their playfulness.
In a paper published recently in the scientific journal Frontiers in Psychology, the researchers observed that people who described themselves as very playful tended to be more optimistic about the future and more creative in their coping strategies. They were also more inclined than others to anticipate the development of a Covid-19 vaccine and to envisage a return to normal life.
“While rose-tinted glasses would colour everything positively, potentially distorting reality, the ‘colour spotlight’ effect we observed was more selective,” Shen explained.
“Playful individuals didn’t minimise Covid risks or overestimate the effectiveness of protective measures; they directed their ‘spotlight’ towards possibilities for positive change and growth, illuminating potential paths forward even in dark times.”
Despite a similar perception of the dangers of the pandemic and feelings of isolation, these people found ways to adapt their daily lives, turn obstacles into opportunities, and maintain some control over their environment.
In other words, the way they approached challenges and other situations allowed them to make the most of them.
Playfulness could thus be a valuable resource to help you cope better in times of chaos or crisis. But can we really develop our playful side? Shen believes certain habits can help, such as surrounding ourselves with people who make us laugh, cultivating our curiosity, or adopting a more flexible attitude in the face of the unexpected.
“You don’t have to play to be playful. It’s about bringing a spirit of fun, openness, and flexibility to everyday moments,” the expert said.
Nevertheless, the researchers urge caution in the interpretation of their findings. Other factors could explain the differences observed between naturally playful people and those who are less so, and the influence of playfulness can vary according to individuals and contexts.
Despite these nuances, this study opens up an interesting avenue of exploration: in times of crisis, cultivating a more playful attitude could well be an effective strategy for better coping with uncertainty and moving forward.