The measurement of optimism and pessimism

A Translation and Validation Study of the Life Orientation Test Revised in the Greek Speaking Population of Nurses among Three Hospitals in Athens and Ioannina

“…The adoption of a general single-item measure of a global expression of optimism is not uncommon. Research showed that single-item measures of optimism correlated positively (r = 0.55) with longer (40 items) optimism scales (Dember et al 1989) and received good test-retest reliability in a sample of healthy individuals (Kreitler et al 1993). …”

Quality of life and pain in Chinese lung cancer patients: Is optimism a moderator or mediator?

“…The adoption of a general single-item measure of a global expression of optimism is not uncommon. Research showed that single-item measures of optimism correlated positively (r = 0.55) with longer (40 items) optimism scales [31] and received good test-retest reliability in a sample of healthy individuals [30]. They also reduce assessment load for sick patients [32].…”

Assessing the dimensionality of optimism and pessimism using a multimeasure approach

“…Studies have found that optimism is related to more adaptive coping behavior in stressful situations (Natali-Alemafiy, 1991;Scheier & Carver, 1987), as well as greater physical and psychological well-being (Dember & Brooks, 1990;Natali-Alemafiy, 1991;Scheier & Carver, 1985. Pessimism, on the other hand, has been linked to depression (Abramson, Metalsky, & Alloy, 1989;Beck, 1987), anxiety (Dember, Martin, Hummer, & Melton, 1989), and avoidant coping patterns (Natali-Alemafiy, 1991;Scheier & Carver, 1987).…”