A secondary analysis examining the performance of the State Optimism Measure (SOM) compared to the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) in measuring optimism over time

Abstract

Objective: Optimism is an important factor impacting health and human functioning. Originally conceptualized as a trait, increasing evidence indicates that optimism can change over time and could be an intervention target. Measures are needed that can capture changes in optimism. Design: In this secondary analysis, we compared the performance of a newly developed state measure, the State Optimism Measure (SOM), to the widely used trait measure, the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), in detecting changes over time during a disruptive life event: the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Main Outcome Measures: Participants (n = 81) were nondaily smokers participating in a smoking cessation intervention, who completed the SOM and LOT-R before and after the initial COVID-19 outbreak. Results: Optimism declined from pre- to post-COVID-19 outbreak, as assessed by both scales (LOT-R: p=.0147,g av=0.23; SOM: p<.0001,g av=0.56). The change detected was greater when measured by the SOM (p<.0001). Changes in optimism were correlated with concurrent changes in perceived stress, positive affect, and negative affect. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the SOM has a greater sensitivity to detect within-person changes in optimism than the LOT-R and highlight the SOM’s utility for longitudinal studies assessing changes in optimism.