Pessimism linked to Scots' health

Being optimistic or pessimistic may have a bearing on health

Scotland's "lack of confidence" not only affects its sporting success but also has a dire affect on the nation's health, according to an expert.

Carol Craig, of the Glasgow-based Centre for Confidence and Well-Being, said feelings of pessimism could reduce life expectancy by up to eight years.

Last month Scotland's Commonwealth team returned triumphant despite low key predictions before the games.

Ms Craig said such low expectations showed that Scotland had a problem.

She said: "There is a huge growing body of evidence that whether you're optimistic or pessimistic has a major bearing on your health."

"Some studies are showing - there's about 10 to 15 of them I think - it's very important for health and for life expectancy.

We have some of the worst life expectancy in the Western world and we have to ask why Carol Craig Centre for Confidence Send us your views

"And it might be as much as seven or eight years of life expectancy - that's more important than whether you smoke or not."

Scotland's recent swimming success caused some people to question whether the team had received special confidence-boosting coaching prior to the Commonwealth Games.

The Scottish rugby squad have also dramatically improved their fortunes.

Under their new coach Frank Haddon they beat England and France in the Six Nations.

One of the squad, Alistair Hogg, said Haddon had helped them develop a positive mental attitude.

"He's just been showing us clips of the things we do well and that's basically it," he said.

Unanswered questions

"He's been going out and telling us that we're good rugby players, we've got the skills, we've got the fitness, we've got the natural ability, and just go out there and prove it to ourselves and the public.

"You've got to go into the game thinking you can win - that you're in with a chance."

Ms Craig said the issue went further than determining sporting success and that it raised questions over Scotland's poor health record.

The Centre for Confidence has Scottish Executive funding to help tackle Scotland's perceived "cannae do" attitude.

"We have some of the worst life expectancy in the western world and we have to ask why," said Ms Craig.