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.

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)

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.