Monday, February 12, 2007

A lesser known Oscar finding

Dame Helen Mirren has added the best actress Bafta to her long list of awards for The Queen, and she is now tipped for an Oscar. An interesting but lesser known fact about Oscars, is the research showing that winning can dramatically increase a performer´s life-span. Plus, winning the award more than once is even better for the health than just winning once. Multiple Oscar winners live almost three years longer than those with just one Oscar.

It is thought that the crucial factor is that those in higher status positions have more control over their work, compared to lower status colleagues. Oscar winners are more likely to be able to choose the roles they play, and this in turn gives them a sense of control over their work life, which has stress and health implications. Another theory is that an increase in self-esteem coincides with winning an award, which may counteract the link between low self-esteem, heart disease, cancer and depression.

Overall, we could perhaps all learn something from this research; to understand the importance of self esteem and keeping a sense of control over our own work life balance.

5 comments:

Karen said...

This is fascinating stuff. I love you blog! Karen

Dr Michelle Tempest said...

Thanks for that Karen. I should have perhaps titled this post 'Long Live the Queen'. All the very best. Michelle

Peter Smallbone said...

Interesting statistic. Could it simply be that multiple Oscar winners are fitter and healthier in the first place, which allows them to achieve more and better performances..?

Dr Michelle Tempest said...

Thanks Peter, Good point, and I am sure there is no single answer to these sorts of questions. Although, it is worth mentioning that there is no evidence to suggest that award nominees are not just as fit and healthy - as they have also reached a very high standard. Yet the health benefits don't extend to the nominees. Hope your week has started well. Michelle

Clare said...

I also heard that winning an Oscar is not so good for the actresses as most of the more recent winners have all gotten divorced since their win. Interesting post though :).