Pesimis

Pesimis is an Indonesian term that refers to pessimism, or a tendency to expect negative outcomes. In everyday use, pesimis can describe either a general attitude toward life or a person who habitually expects the worst. The noun pesimisme is more commonly used to denote the concept of pessimism itself, while pesimis can function as an adjective or as a descriptor for a person (orang pesimis).

Etymology and usage: The term pesimis is borrowed from the English word pessimism, which derives from the Latin pessimus, meaning “the worst.” In Indonesian, pesimis and pesimisme have become standard terms in philosophy, psychology, and everyday language to discuss attitudes toward uncertainty, risk, and future events.

Characteristics and related concepts: Pesimis involves a focus on potential negative outcomes, skepticism about positive developments, and a tendency to anticipate difficulties. It can be a stable trait (dispositional pessimism) or a situational mindset. A related concept is defensive pessimism, a coping strategy where individuals deliberately consider worst-case scenarios to prepare effectively for challenging tasks. Pessimistic thinking can influence motivation, decision making, and social interactions, and it often coexists with cultural or personal experiences that shape attitudes toward risk and uncertainty.

Health and social implications: Research indicates that high levels of pessimism can be associated with greater stress and a higher risk of mood disorders, though pessimistic reasoning can also have adaptive functions in risky or uncertain contexts. Conversely, optimism is linked with various positive health and well-being outcomes. In practice, balancing realism with constructive planning is emphasized in many psychological and educational settings.

See also: optimism, realism, cognitive bias, defensive pessimism.