From Daniel Goleman, Mind & Life Institute Meeting, 1990 (http://www.mindandlife.org/dialogues/past-conferences/ml03/)

“A growing body of data ties negative and positive emotional states to wellness or ill health. The negative emotions have a toxic effect on the immune system and on health in general; this has been found true for depression, hostility and anger, and for anxiety, as well as for negative outlooks including pessimism and cynicism, guilt, hopelessness and helplessness. Repression, the denial of negative feeling, is also unhealthy. The adverse effects on health range from raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and viruses. On the other hand, positive emotions strengthen immune function and bring good health. This has been shown for states of happiness, calm and relaxation, compassion, as well as attitudes such as hope, optimism, trust, and being in control.”