Construct and Convergent Validity of the OIS-García (Optimist Interactive Style) Scales in a Mexican Population

Abstract

This is a report of the validation process of two scales that measure the OIS-García (optimist interactive style). An attempt was made to establish construct and convergent validity for these two scales. Towards this end, we relied on the Spanish version of the LOT-R (life orientation test-revised). Participants were 350 relatives of a cancer patient with a mean age of 39.87 years (SD = 14.88) and an age range going from 15 to 79 years. Each of the new versions of the OIS1-García and OIS2-García comprised 10 items. The Chronbach alpha internal consistency coefficients were 0.701 for the OIS1 and 0.633 for the OIS2. The Spearman correlation coefficient among these two tests was 0.438, the correlation among LOT-R and OIS1-García was 0.382, and the correlation among LOT-R and OIS2-García was 0.468. As a result, we were able to partially validate both versions of the OIS-García test.These findings serve as encouragement to develop more culturally sensitive and appropriate measurement instruments for specific cultures or populations.

Preference for trees, optimism and physical, psychological and social wellbeing among high school students / Preferencia hacia el árbol, optimismo y bienestar físico, psicológico y social en estudiantes

“…Optimism was assessed using the interactive optimist style scale (α = .70) designed by García et al (2013b). A total of six items were used, including the following: ‘There are solutions to problems’ and ‘Human beings are good’.…”

“…Se puede conceptualizar al optimismo en términos de un estilo interactivo de personalidad (García et al, 2013; Ribes, 2009; Ribes & Sánchez, 1990). Como estilo interactivo de personalidad, el optimismo sería una manera de relación favorable y positiva del individuo consigo mismo, con los demás y con el entorno físico.…”

“…El optimismo se midió con la escala de estilo interactivo optimista (α = .70) diseñada por García et al (2013b). Se emplearon seis ítems, de los cuales son ejemplos los siguientes: ‘Hay soluciones para los problemas’ y ‘El ser humano es bueno’.…”

“…Optimism can be conceptualized in terms of an interactive style of personality (García et al, 2013; Ribes, 2009; Ribes & Sánchez, 1990). As an interactive style of personality, optimism is a favourable and positive way for an individual to relate to him or herself, to others, and to the physical environment.…”