London - The more sceptical among us will find this hard to believe, but cynicism comes at a price.
Research shows that people who take a dim view of the world and those around them earn less than the most trusting types.
The difference is far from insubstantial, with the most cynical taking home £200 (about R3 600) a month less on average.
With the difference in earnings not explained by suspicious sorts being more introverted and more prone to ill health, the German researchers believe cynicism itself is to blame. It is thought that by refusing to trust others and work as a team, cynics reduce their promotion prospects.
Social psychologist Dr Olga Stravrova came to the conclusion after drawing together the information from a series of previous studies into the topic from around the world.
Cynicism was determined by asking questions such as “Do you believe that most people would exploit if they had the opportunity?’ and ‘Would you say that most of the time, people attempt to be helpful or only act in their own interests?”
Writing in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Dr Stravrova, of the University of Cologne, said that being too suspicious could hold people back. Out of 41 countries, the link between cynicism and lower earning power was strongest in those with the sunniest outlook. Only in Macedonia, one of the most cynical places, did a suspicious outlook boost salary.
Daily Mail