Cognitive bias of optimism and its influence on psychological well-being

Author(s): BeckSeyffer, A., Schneider, R.

Journal/Book: Psychol Rep. 1999; 84: P O Box 9229, Missoula, MT 59807, USA. Psychological Reports. 627-636.

Abstract: 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 trail 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).

Note: Article Schweizer K, Univ Freiburg, Inst Psychol, Abt Padagog Psychol, Belfortstr 16, D-79085 Freiburg, GERMANY

Keyword(s): GENERALIZED OUTCOME EXPECTANCIES; UNREALISTIC OPTIMISM; DISPOSITIONAL OPTIMISM; NEGATIVE EVENTS; HEALTH-PROBLEMS; PESSIMISM; RISK; SUSCEPTIBILITY; VULNERABILITY; VICTIMIZATION

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