Life Orientation Test – Revised

What it measures

Measures dispositional optimism — the generalised expectancy that good things will happen in the future. Distinguishes optimism (positive expectancies) from pessimism (negative expectancies) as partially separable factors. Widely used in health psychology research on coping, psychological wellbeing, and disease outcomes.

Response format

Likert (0–4, strongly disagree to strongly agree); 6 scored items + 4 fillers; total 0–24

Representative items

• In uncertain times, I usually expect the best. (Optimism)
• If something can go wrong for me, it will. (R, Pessimism)
• I always look on the bright side of things. (Optimism)
• I'm always optimistic about my future. (Optimism)
• I rarely count on good things happening to me. (R, Pessimism)

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=scored in reverse direction for total optimism score. Sum all 6 scored items (after reversing pessimism items 3, 7, 9). Freely available from Michael Scheier. Widely used as a moderator in stress and health outcomes research. Correlates with but is distinct from self-efficacy and neuroticism.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Scheier, M.F., Carver, C.S., & Bridges, M.W. (1994). Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism (and trait anxiety, self-mastery, and self-esteem): A reevaluation of the Life Orientation Test. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(6), 1063–1078.

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