The association between financial difficulty, social class and optimism

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Anh Tran

Anh is a freshman with a prospective double major in Economics and IDEAS. She is originally from Vietnam. Anh’s interest in social psychology and economic inequality shaped her research focus on the relationship between financial conditions (determined by the likelihood of achieving goals such as home ownership, financially secure retirement, affording college education, and becoming wealthy) and optimistic attitudes. 

Abstract: Optimism levels are tied to mental well-being with empirical evidence suggesting a relationship between financial conditions and mental health. This project examines whether financial difficulty (assessed through goals such as home ownership, a secure retirement, affording education, and wealth) or social class influences optimistic attitudes. From previous literature, it appears that research on financial conditions and corresponding behavior tends to not look at optimism alone but broadens to mental health or mental well-being. Conclusions drawn indicate that financial difficulty has an overall insignificant correlation with optimism, while social class tends to be significantly and positively associated with optimistic attitudes.

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