Two Academy Award nominated films, Silver Linings Playbook, and Life of Pi, resonated with so many millions of people because their themes of resilience speak to each of us -- and are grounded in a growing body of scientific research. Far from being delusional or faith-based, having a positive outlook in difficult circumstances is the most important predictor of resilience -- how quickly you will recover from adversity.
Missing for a half-century and listed as extinct in 1996, the Hula painted frog has been spotted again in northern Israel, its only known habitat. The restoration of water back to wetland areas is believed to have saved the species.
Scientists, once again, point to those who have an optimistic outlook on life as being the people who age best. Dr Stefanie Brassen, the new study's author, said that successful aging came down to "the positivity effect".
Most people think the world is more violent than ever, with more wars and murders, but in reality, we've never had it so peaceful. That's the thesis of a new book by prominent Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker. It uses graphs and statistics to reveal dramatic reductions in war deaths, family violence, racism, rape, and murder.
It's no surprise that those who tend to see a rose's blooms before its thorns are also better at handling stress. But science has never been able to reliably associate optimism with individuals' biological stress response – until now. New research from Concordia University's Department of Psychology is deepening the understanding of how optimists and pessimists each handle stress. Results show that indeed the "stress hormone" cortisol tends to be more stable in those with more positive personalities.
The drought-induced famine crisis in Somalia has eased somewhat, United Nations officials said on Friday, with the number of people facing imminent starvation dropping to nearly 250,000 from 750,000 because of rainfall and increased aid deliveries.
200 psychologists from 20 countries convened this weekend in Washington, D.C. for their fourth annual summit to exchange research and ideas on such topics as love, flow, wisdom and well-being.
A National Guardsman lost both legs in Iraq, but found a new mission helping others. It was a life-altering injury, but from the beginning, Dale Beatty had a positive attitude about it. Beatty created an organization Purple Heart Homes after a Builders Association -- of which he was a member -- helped him build a wheelchair-accessible home with wide doorways and roll-in bathrooms.
A heartwarming update to a story that aired on NBC in September about a family in Florida down on their luck and facing foreclosure: A Texas businessman and his family, after being moved by the tears of the teenage daughter, decided to help.
A UK grandmother who lost all her haor was inspired to get a tattoo that resembles dark curly locks, after becoming depressed and frustrated by wigs and hats. She says it's changed her life and made her happier than she's ever been.
The United States said Wednesday North Korea has agreed to suspend nuclear activities and accept a moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests, in a breakthrough in negotiations with the secretive communist nation. In a key concession, North Korea said it had agreed to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to verify and monitor a moratorium on uranium enrichment activities.
As the cities and towns ravaged by tornadoes slowly shift their focus from relief efforts to long-term rebuilding, they might want to take a look at the recent history of Greensburg, Kansas. Four years ago, the town was virtually leveled by a massive mile-and-a-half-wide twister. But the flattened canvas that was their home offered them a green opportunity, one that made a lot of business sense for homeowners and town managers.
In an unprecedented concession, Colombian rebels have pledged to end their practice of kidnapping for ransom and release the hostages they hold, hoping to re-open the doors to dialogue as the civil conflict enters its 48th year.
60 percent of Americans who've reached their 100th birthday say they do not "feel old," and most point to positivity as the key to a long and happy life.
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