Washington, May 29 (IANS): Do you often feel that most of your colleagues or clients are dishonest and will exploit you? Get rid of this cynical attitude if you want to make more money in life.

According to new research, holding cynical beliefs about others may have a negative effect on your income.

"We have established an association between cynicism and individual economic success," said Olga Stavrova, research associate at the Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne.

One reason could be that cynical individuals are less likely to trust others and therefore forgo cooperation opportunities.

The research outlined a series of studies using survey data from the US and Europe.

The first two studies looked at cynicism in national surveys of Americans (1,146 and 497 participants, respectively) and income level at the later date in which a high level of cynicism was associated with lower income.

Another study focusing on 16,000 people in Germany found that after nine years, people with low levels of cynicism earned on average $300 per month more than their more cynical counterparts.

The final study examined the potential universality of these findings, looking at survey data from 41 countries to see if societal factors could play a role.

The negative association between cynicism and lower income was strongest in countries with higher levels of altruistic behaviour, lower homicide rates and lower levels of overall societal cynicism.

"There are actually some countries where cynical individuals do not necessarily earn less than their less cynical compatriots," Stavrova said.

"Cynical people are more likely to suspect mean motives behind other people's behaviour, might be less likely to join collaborative efforts and may avoid asking for help in case of need, which may eventually undermine their economic success."

The findings may encourage people to adopt a more benevolent and idealistic view of human nature and trustful attitude towards their peers.

The research appeared in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.