scholarly journals General Psychosocial Measures are Affected by the Situation Preceding Assessment: The ‘Arbitrary Distinction’ Between State and Trait Measures is Still Unresolved

Psichologija ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 86-100
Author(s):  
Attila Szabo ◽  
Krisztina Ábel

General psychosocial measures are assumed to be stable over time. However, such measures may be affected by the situation preceding assessment. In this study 28 participants completed the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the Subjective Happiness Scale, and the Life Orientation Test which are general measures, and the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule and the Feeling Scale which are state measures. Subsequently, the first part of ‘Mega Disasters Nagasaki The Forgotten Bomb’ documentary was presented to the participants. Following the intervention, they completed the same measures again. State measures of negative affect increased, feeling state decreased as expected, but retrospectively measured well-being as well as the index of optimism also decreased. There were large individual differences. The findings indicate that general measures, assumed to be stable over time, are influenced by the situation. Therefore, there is a need for reporting, as well as controlling, the events preceding their measurement. The implication of these findings is that hundreds of empirical results based on general or trait measures may be invalid if any event preceding their assessment had an emotional impact.

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 783-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulan Yu ◽  
Jun Luo

We used the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Life Orientation Test Revised, and the Revised Oxford Happiness Scale to investigate the correlations among dispositional optimism, self-efficacy, and subjective well-being in 2,578 college students. The results showed that self-efficacy, dispositional optimism, and well-being were significantly positively correlated with one another. In addition, the influence of dispositional optimism on subjective well-being was partially mediated by self-efficacy, with the mediating effect accounting for 31.6% of the total effect.


1999 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 627-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Schweizer ◽  
Alexandra Beck-Seyffer ◽  
Rainer Schneider

An investigation of the cognitive bias observed in optimism and the influence of optimism on psychological well-being was conducted. The cognitive bias was assumed to be related to the repressive style of information processing, represented by the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Social Desirability scale. Optimism and well-being were measured by the Life Orientation Test and the Social Optimism scale as well as by the Life Satisfaction and Depression scales, respectively. These scales were applied to a sample of 200 individuals. Trait Anxiety and Social Desirability led to a high multiple correlation with the Life Orientation Test ( R = .54) and a moderate multiple correlation with the Social Optimism scale ( R = .30). Higher correlations were obtained for the expectation of a positive than of a negative future. Both the Life Orientation Test and the Social Optimism scale contributed to the high multiple correlation with psychological well-being ( R= .52).


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-268
Author(s):  
Daniela Lopes Angelo ◽  
Diógenes Bido ◽  
Mariana Corrêa ◽  
Bruno Hupfer ◽  
Maria Regina Brandão

El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue adaptar y evaluar culturalmente las propiedades psicométricas del Life Orientation Test para el contexto deportivo (LOT-S). La muestra consistió en 953 jóvenes atletas brasileños de ambos sexos, con una edad media de 16 años. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio produjeron dos dimensiones correlacionadas, que reflejan optimismo y pesimismo, y brindaron apoyo para un modelo de dos factores. Se encontró un ajuste satisfactorio para LOT-S con 6 ítems (χ2=10.96, df=8; RMSEA=.020 (IC 90%=.021-.049); CFI=.995; TLI=990; NFI=.980; GFI=.996; SRMR=.032). También se generaron pruebas satisfactorias de consistencia interna a través del análisis de cargas factoriales y valores t. Los índices alfa de Cronbach (.68/ .65) y la Fiabilidad Compuesta (.72/ .65) fueron adecuados en las variables latentes Optimismo y Pesimismo, respectivamente. Los valores de varianza promedio extraídos fueron insatisfactorios, sin embargo, las correlaciones positivas con Optimismo y las correlaciones negativas con Pesimismo entre Motivación, Resiliencia y Bienestar fueron indicativas de validez convergente. Las correlaciones entre las variables latentes en comparación con las raíces cuadradas de los valores de varianza promedio extraídos de cada constructo mostraron que el modelo tiene validez discriminante. Se logró la invariancia configuracional, métrica y escalar, lo que indica que LOT-S puede medir atletas de ambos sexos por igual. Aunque se necesitan más estudios para confirmar las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento, la adaptación de LOT al contexto deportivo fue el primer paso en el futuro sobre la influencia del Optimismo en el rendimiento deportivo Palabras clave: optimismo; pesimismo; dimensionalidad; estudio de validación   The main objective of this research was to culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Life Orientation Test version for the sports context (LOT-S). The sample consisted of 953 young Brazilian athletes of both sexes, with a mean age of 16 years. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis produced two correlated dimensions, reflecting optimism and pessimism, and provided support for a two-factor model. A satisfactory fit for LOT-S with six items was found (χ2=10.96, df=8; RMSEA=.020 (IC 90%=.021-.049); CFI=.995; TLI=990; NFI=.980; GFI=.996; SRMR=.032). Satisfactory tests of internal consistency were also generated through the analysis of factorial loads and t-values. Cronbach's alpha (.68/ .65) and Composite Reliability (.72/ .65) were adequate in Optimism and Pessimism, respectively. The values of average variance extracted were unsatisfactory, however, positive correlations with optimism and negative with pessimism between Motivation, Resilience and Well-Being were indicative of convergent validity. The correlations between the latent variables compared to the square roots of the average variance extracted values of each construct showed that the model has discriminant validity. The configural, metric and scalar invariance was achieved, indicating that the LOT-S can measure athletes of both sexes equally. Although more studies are needed to confirm the psychometric properties of the instrument, adapting the LOT to the sport context was the first step in the future works about the influence of Optimism on sports performance. Keywords: optimism; pessimism; dimensionality; validation study. O principal objetivo desta pesquisa foi adaptar culturalmente e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas do Life Orientation Test para o contexto esportivo (LOT-S). A amostra foi composta por 953 jovens atletas brasileiros de ambos os sexos, com idade média de 16 anos. Os resultados da análise fatorial confirmatória produziram duas dimensões correlacionadas, refletindo otimismo e pessimismo e forneceram suporte para um modelo de dois fatores. Foi encontrado um ajuste satisfatório para LOT-S com seis itens (χ2=10.96, df=8; RMSEA=.020 (IC 90%=.021-.049); CFI=.995; TLI=990; NFI=.980; GFI=.996; SRMR=.032). Testes satisfatórios de consistência interna foram gerados através da análise de cargas fatoriais e valores-t. Os índices alfa de Cronbach (.68/ .65) e de Confiabilidade Composta (72/ .65) foram adequados para Otimismo e Pessimismo, respectivamente. Os valores de variância média extraída foram insatisfatórios, no entanto, correlações positivas entre Otimismo e negativas entre Pessimismo e Motivação, Resiliência e Bem-Estar foram indicativos de validade convergente. As correlações entre as variáveis latentes comparadas às raízes quadradas dos valores de variância média extraída de cada construto mostraram que o modelo possui validade discriminante. A invariância configural, métrica e escalar foi alcançada, indicando que o LOT-S pode medir atletas de ambos os sexos igualmente. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos para confirmar as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento, a adaptação do LOT ao contexto esportivo foi o primeiro passo no futuro para a influência do otimismo no desempenho esportivo Palavras-chave: otimismo; pessimismo; dimensionalidade; estudo de validação.  


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Amin Wani ◽  
Prof. Mahmood S. Khan

Pessimist Individuals see difficulty in every opportunity where as Optimists see opportunity in every difficulty. Taking into consideration these characteristics of Optimism and Pessimism, this study was designed to conduct on the samples of the Optimist and Pessimist subjects in order to ascertain the influence of Religiosity on Subjective Well-being. Using Purposive Sampling technique, 50 Optimist and 50 Pessimist Post Graduate students were selected with the help of Life Orientation Test–Revised (LOT-R) developed by Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, (1994). Religiosity and Subjective Well-being among Optimists and Pessimists were assessed on the basis of scores on Religiosity Scale developed by Deka and Broota, (1985) and Subjective Well-being Inventory (SUBI) developed by Sell and Nagpal (1992). Data was analyzed with the help of Simple Linear Regression. The first finding revealed that Religiosity appeared as a significant predictor of Subjective well-being among Optimists. It means that there is a significant positive correlation „R‟= .774 between Religiosity and Subjective Well-being among Optimists whereas, the second finding also revealed that Religiosity appeared as a significant predictor of Subjective Well-being among Pessimists. This indicates that there is also a significant positive correlation „R‟= .497 between Religiosity and Subjective Well-being among Pessimists. Since, the Optimists and Pessimists were found in maintaining good Subjective Well-being but the value of „R‟ in case of Optimists was found to be much higher. So as on the basis of the obtained results , it is discussed that the Optimists look into more favorable side in the face of events and anticipate best possible outcomes in their favor as compared to the Pessimist counterpart. It is suggested that one has to make efforts to be Optimist rather than Pessimist to conquer challenges in their life.


1992 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 275-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaap Mook ◽  
Wim Chr. Kleijn ◽  
Henk M. van der Ploeg

Significantly higher mean scores on the negatively versus positively worded subscales are reported for a Dutch-adapted version of the Life Orientation Test, a measure of dispositional optimism. This extends previous findings on measures of negative affect (i.e., anxiety and depression) to a similarly balanced measure of positive affect. Factor analysis identified two factors (presence of optimism and absence of pessimism) which suggested the multidimensionality of the scale based on differences in item content along the independent dimensions of positive and negative affect.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 459-459
Author(s):  
Robert Intrieri ◽  
Paige Goodwin

Abstract The Life Orientation Test (LOT; Scheier & Carver, 1985) was developed as a measure of dispositional optimism. Optimism has been linked to positive life outcomes and is associated with psychological (Carver & Gaines, 1987; Scheier & Carver, 1985) and physical (Scheier & Carver, 1987; Scheier et al. 1989) well-being. The current study assessed 520 people placed into three age groups: young adult (n =149), middle-age adult (n = 252), and older adult (n = 119). The mean age for the young group was 19.24 (SD = 2.01), middle-aged (47.68 (SD = 4.75), and old was 71.99 (SD = 7.21). Data were submitted for a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) which tested for invariance across the age groups. Previous factor analyses have identified two distinct factors representing optimism and pessimism. Results from the CFA showed that both Configural and Metric invariance models demonstrated acceptable fit for the two factor model (□2(df=57) = 61.92, p = 0.3047; □2(df=69) = 78.77, p = 0.1974). In contrast, Scalar invariance resulted in a poor fit across the three age groups (□2(df=81) = 139.288, p < 0.0001). Model comparisons revealed no significant differences between Configural and Metric models (□2(df=12) = 16.996, p = 0.1498). Model comparisons between Configural and Scalar and Metric and Scalar were (□2(df=24) = 78.947, p < 0.0001; □2(df=12) = 61.764, p < 0.0001). These results confirm previous research that shows a correlated two factor model consistent with the concept that optimism and pessimism are correlated elements rather than two ends of a continuum.


Author(s):  
Miljan Jović ◽  
Ana Jovančević

The aim of this research was to examine if there are some differences in a way optimists and pessimists react to unpleasant movie stimuli. The sample was convenient and it consisted of 42 (F=90%) students of psychology, from the Faculty of philosophy in Nish. Age range in the sample was from 18 to 20 (M=19, SD=.541). Instruments used in this research were: Life orientation test (LOT-R: Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994) and Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS: Mayer, & Gaschke, 2013) in order to operationalize the mood of the respondents. The stimulus was a scene from the movie Sophie’s Choice, which aimed at inducing a negative affect. From the results we can conclude that the mood of the optimists, after watching movie stimuli, is corrputed, while the mood of the pesimists isn't.So, in the further studies which examine emotion induction through movies, we suggest the  inclusion of optimism-pesimism as a control variable.Also, for further studies we suggest the involvement of actors and testing how they react to film stimuli.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudha Rathore ◽  
Arun Kumar ◽  
Akansha Gautam

The objective of the study was to find the impact of Life Satisfaction and Life Orientation on Psychological wellbeing of Doctors working at SMS Medical College and Jaipur Dental College. The sample for the study consisted of 112 Doctors aged between 32 to 55 years (Male=60 & Female=52). Scale of Life Satisfaction Test, Revised Life Orientation Test and Bradburn Scale of Psychological Well-Being were administered on the participants. Results showed that life orientation and life satisfaction was the significant predictors of Psychological well being among Doctors. Therefore the immediate implication of this study was to ensure that prevailing working environment should enhance positive orientation towards ones living and thus in turn enhance life satisfaction for their betterment.


1994 ◽  
Vol 75 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1523-1528 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Comunian

We examined with 500 Italian subjects the relationship between the subscales of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory and a measure of the sense of well-being, the Life Orientation Test. As predicted, associations were not significant with scores on the scale of optimism; however, all coefficients were negative and the smallest ones were with the Anger Control scale. We also correlated scores on state and trait curiosity with those on 3 anger-expression scales; values indicated these dimensions were also unrelated to anger. The results indicate that, while anger has been proposed as an important component in the association of emotions with health, the specific type of anger expression may not be critical for one's sense of well-being. They also suggest that the construct of curiosity deserves further study as a potential measure of one's sense of well-being.


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