Accentuating the positive will improve memory, lessen anxiety
New research from the Standford University School of Medicine has found that being positive sets an individual up to be successful, according to a report by CNBC. The study was published in the January issue of Psychological Science.
Stanford researchers studied 240 children between the ages of 7 to 10 years old of various IQ levels. They collected brain MRIs to map the neurological effects of positivity while the children took a problem-solving test. The research focused on the ways in which a positive attitude improved the functions of the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory.
While being encouraged to have a positive attitude, all 240 children improved in their ability to solve math problems and ultimately improve their memory, lessen their anxiety and sharpen problem-solving skills.
"Our study is the first to elucidate the neurocognitive mechanisms by which positive attitude influences learning and academic achievement," said lead author of the study Lang Chen, PhD, a psychiatry and behavioral sciences research fellow at Standford. "Attitude is really important. Based on our data, the unique contribution of positive attitude to math achievement is as large as the contribution from IQ."
A recent graduate from Dominican University (IL) with a bachelor’s in journalism, Melissa joined TriMed’s Chicago team in 2017 covering all aspects of health imaging. She’s a fan of singing and playing guitar, elephants, a good cup of tea, and her golden retriever Cooper.