Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism (and trait anxiety, self-mastery, and self-esteem): a reevaluation of the Life Orientation Test
Title
Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism (and trait anxiety, self-mastery, and self-esteem): a reevaluation of the Life Orientation Test
Creator
Scheier MF; Carver CS; Bridges MW
Identifier
Publisher
Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology
Date
1994
Subject
Female; Humans; Male; Self Concept; Anxiety; Non-U.S. Gov't; P.H.S.; Research Support; U.S. Gov't; Adaptation; Psychological; Comparative Study; Self Assessment (Psychology); Non-P.H.S.
Description
Research on dispositional optimism as assessed by the Life Orientation Test (Scheier & Carver, 1985) has been challenged on the grounds that effects attributed to optimism are indistinguishable from those of unmeasured third variables, most notably, neuroticism. Data from 4,309 subjects show that associations between optimism and both depression and aspects of coping remain significant even when the effects of neuroticism, as well as the effects of trait anxiety, self-mastery, and self-esteem, are statistically controlled. Thus, the Life Orientation Test does appear to possess adequate predictive and discriminant validity. Examination of the scale on somewhat different grounds, however, does suggest that future applications can benefit from its revision. Thus, we also describe a minor modification to the Life Orientation Test, along with data bearing on the revised scale's psychometric properties.
1994
Rights
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Type
Journal Article
Citation List Month
Backlog
URL Address
Citation
Scheier MF; Carver CS; Bridges MW, “Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism (and trait anxiety, self-mastery, and self-esteem): a reevaluation of the Life Orientation Test,” Pediatric Palliative Care Library, accessed April 26, 2024, https://pedpalascnetlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/12168.