The objective of this meta-analysis is to analyze the association between positive expectations (hope and optimism) and health behaviors. Systematic searches were conducted in five electronic databases from March to August 2023. A meta-analytic approach was used, applying Fisher's z-transformation to Pearson's weighted r coefficient. From 17,470 records identified, 22 studies were included. The overall pooled effect size showed a significant relationship between health behaviors, optimism (r = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.22-0.40), and hope (r = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.17-0.33). Subgroup analyses suggested that associations varied according to age group and cultural group. Furthermore, meta-regression analysis also indicated that the type of healthy behavior significantly moderates the associations, while the average age showed a small and insignificant effect, especially in relation to optimism. These findings suggest that positive expectations are consistently associated with health-related behaviors.
Uribe et al. (Wed,) studied this question.