Dispositional Optimism Research Articles

An Early Snapshot of Attitudes Toward Generative Artificial Intelligence in Physical Therapy Education

Introduction. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining popularity across health care, education, and society. The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions and use of generative AI in academic physical therapy (PT). Review of Literature. Generative AI became one of the fastest-growing technologies ever after the public release of ChatGPT in November 2022. Early data indicate that attitudes toward generative AI in higher education are mixed and rapidly evolving, with significant ethical concerns around use and potential misuse. There are no published studies investigating perceptions and use of generative AI in PT education. Subjects. A total of 175 surveys were completed and analyzed. Respondents included PT educators, administrators, and students. Methods. An anonymous, online survey on use and perception of AI was distributed through email and social media. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were performed to analyze respondent characteristics and responses to survey questions. Results. Most respondents (61.1%) reported they did not use generative AI during the 2022-2023 academic year, whereas 35.4% were generative AI users. More than 40% of respondents were optimistic or very optimistic toward generative AI. Users of AI were more likely to report an optimistic or very optimistic disposition toward AI compared with nonusers. AI users were more likely to agree or completely agree that generative AI has more benefits than drawbacks compared with nonusers. Discussion and Conclusion. Results of this survey suggest that, despite the rapid uptake of generative AI in society, many PT educators and students harbor reservations and uncertainties toward its use. Artificial intelligence users were less likely to hold negative perceptions toward it and were more likely to find it useful. Understanding use and perceptions of generative AI in PT education may inform strategies to promote innovation, policy-making, and ethical integration of this new and rapidly evolving technology.

An Exploration of the Role of Group Counseling in Enhancing the Psychological Well-Being of College Students

In contemporary society, university students grapple with multifaceted pressures stemming from academics, daily life, and interpersonal relationships, rendering mental health issues an ever-more paramount social concern. Group counseling, as a collective psychological intervention, holds significant potential in enhancing students' psychological well-being. This study delves into how specific measures, such as augmenting social support, fostering self-awareness, and honing emotional management skills through group counseling, can effectively ameliorate students' psychological states. Concurrently, it outlines a comprehensive set of implementation recommendations. These measures not only equip students with enhanced resilience to navigate academic and life challenges but also cultivate deeper, more positive thinking patterns and an optimistic disposition. By instituting regular assessments and feedback mechanisms on the efficacy of group counseling, the guiding framework can be continuously refined, thereby ensuring a sustained elevation in psychological well-being.

Optimism and Overconfidence of Strategic Decision Makers‐Comparing Entrepreneurs and Managers With Employees

ABSTRACTEmpirical evidence supports the conventional wisdom that entrepreneurs are more optimistic and overconfident than others. However, the same holds true for (top) managers. In a large incentivized survey (), we directly compare entrepreneurs, managers, and employees on a comprehensive set of measures of optimism and overconfidence. We find that on average entrepreneurs and managers are more optimistic than employees in their dispositional optimism and their explanatory style of past events. However, they do not differ from each other in these respects. For two incentivized measures of overconfidence, we also find no differences between entrepreneurs and managers. Both are equally likely to overestimate their own abilities compared to employees. In terms of overestimating general economic prospects differences with employees are much less pronounced. Exploration of within‐group heterogeneities shows that these observations hold true for various subgroups of entrepreneurs and managers. Together these findings tentatively suggest that optimism and overconfidence characterize strategic decision makers more generally, irrespective of whether they bear the full risk of their strategic decisions.

Extending behavioral theory of the firm to new ventures: Dispositional optimism as a moderating influence on new product introductions in high-tech ventures

Extant literature has typically drawn from the behavioral theory of the firm (BTOF) to examine new product introductions in the context of well-established companies. This paper extends the behavioral theory of the firm to entrepreneurial firms and argues that jointly considering founders' dispositional optimism together with the performance feedback promises to yield a better understanding of new product introductions in new ventures. We analyze a longitudinal dataset on the activities of 344 newly founded high technology ventures in the United States. The key insight of our study is that when BTOF is applied to the context of nascent, entrepreneurial ventures, the personality and dispositional characteristics of the entrepreneur must be considered. Specifically, we find that performance attainment discrepancy leads to new product introductions, but only when the entrepreneur's dispositional optimism level is high.

Impact of Sociodemographic and Psychological Factors on Adherence to Glaucoma Treatment - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of sociodemographic and psychological factors on adherence to glaucoma therapy. The study was carried out among 190 adults treated for glaucoma at the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic of the University Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw between January 2019 and September 2019. Treatment adherence was measured using the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS). We used the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). 58.9% patients reported low treatment adherence. Educated females aged 68 or under living in cities had higher adherence. The regression analysis showed an association between dispositional optimism and glaucoma treatment adherence. The higher the level of dispositional optimism, the better the adherence. Higher dispositional optimism is directly associated with a sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy and a feeling of internal control. Patients reporting a high level of illness acceptance were found to have 2.5 times higher odds of adhering to glaucoma therapy. Illness acceptance is an indicator of the degree of adaptation to an illness and is positively correlated with a sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy and engagement in healthy behavior. More than half of patients with glaucoma have low adherence. Sociodemographic characteristics (female gender, age 68 or under, tertiary education and living in an urban area) and psychological characteristics (high level of illness acceptance, dispositional optimism and satisfaction with life) are significant predictors of high adherence.

Peculiarities of tolerance to uncertainty in students at different stages of education: the contribution of dispositional hope and optimism

Introduction. The rapidly changing conditions of modern society are characterized by a certain degree of unpredictability. A person's success and well-being depend on his ability to accept challenges and adapt to a transforming world. Modern research focuses on the study of various factors influencing an individual’s tolerance to uncertainty. However, not enough attention is paid to the consideration of dispositional hope and optimism as predictors of this phenomenon. The purpose of the study is to study the characteristics of dispositional hope and optimism as predictors of tolerance to uncertainty in students and to establish the direction of connections between the studied characteristics, taking into account age and gender. Materials and methods. The study involved 191 1st and 5th year students of the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Russian Federation). Methods: «Uncertainty Tolerance Scale, MSTAT-I» by D. McLane, adapted by E. G. Lukovitskaya, E. N. Osina, «Dispositional Hope Scale (ADHS)» adapted by K. Muzdybaev, «Optimism and Activity» questionnaire (Arousability and Optimism Scale, AOS) Schuller, A. Comunian adapted by N. E. Vodopyanova. Results. It was found that 1st year students show a higher level of tolerance to uncertainty (46,2±11,4) than 5th year students (42,3±11,0). 1st and 5th year boys have a higher tolerance for uncertainty than 1st and 5th year girls. Among 1st and 5th year boys, «activity» (B=1,55; p ≤ 0,001, respectively B=1,24; p≤0,01) and «optimism» (В=1,81; р≤0,03, respectively B=1,62; p≤0,001). The greatest predictors of tolerance to uncertainty among first-year girls are the «integral index of hope» (B=0,84; p≤0,01), «ability to find ways» (B=0,59; p≤0,01) and «activity» (B=2,16; p≤0,001) By the 5th year, girls’ tolerance to situations of uncertainty decreases and hope for a better future disappears. Conclusion. The results of the study contribute to the understanding of the influence of hope and optimism on the development of tolerance to uncertainty. Integration into the educational process of programs aimed at developing tolerance to uncertainty using positive thinking methods can have a positive impact on the future professional activities of future specialists.

Cross-country assessment of the unique contributions of psychological factors to vaccination: Perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have identified the most relevant and significant psychological factors in relation to COVID-19 vaccination attitudes in Ghana, Germany, New Zealand and India. This study recruited 1822 participants from the general populations of India (n = 411), New Zealand (n = 413), Ghana (n = 523) and Germany (n = 475) to participate in a cross-sectional online survey. After controlling for the country of residence, individual psychological factors played a significant role in shaping attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. The results also revealed strong direct predictors that explained significant portions of the variance in the COVID-19 vaccination attitudes. Positive affect emerged as the strongest contributor in Ghana (7%), while self-compassion strongly influenced COVID-19 vaccination attitudes in India (66%). Dispositional optimism was the strongest predictor in New Zealand (5%). In Germany, compassion towards others was the strongest positive predictor (2%), while psychological distress had a strong negative impact (3%). Results highlight the importance of promoting emotional well-being to enhance vaccination coverage.

Testing a Mediation Model of Dispositional Optimism, Mindful Self-Care, and Subjective Well-Being.

Research consistently demonstrates a positive association between dispositional optimism (DO) and subjective well-being (SWB). This study takes a step forward by exploring potential mechanisms underlying this relationship, with a specific focus on the mediating role of mindful self-care (MSC). We conducted a cross-sectional online survey involving 312 Singaporean adults. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their DO, MSC practices, and overall SWB. Our findings confirmed a significant link between DO and SWB, with individuals exhibiting higher optimism reporting greater well-being. Importantly, the relationship was mediated by MSC, suggesting that optimism motivates individuals to engage in MSC practices, which in turn, enhances SWB. Moreover, DO was linked to all SWB subcomponents, even after controlling for MSC as a mediator. Among the six MSC facets, self-compassion and purpose, supportive relationships, and mindful awareness emerged as significant mediators. This study adds to the growing body of evidence recognizing the positive role of DO and MSC in improving well-being outcomes. It highlights the potential of interventions aimed at cultivating optimism as a promising approach for enhancing mindful self-care practices and ultimately promoting well-being in adults.

Validity and Reliability of the Greek Version of Adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Terms of Dispositional Optimism in a Community-Dwelling Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vaccine hesitancy is an important public health issue referring to concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccination. Within a framework, this study aimed to assess the cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Greek version of the adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (aVHS) as well as to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy among a large regional population in central Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling 300 adults who had received primary healthcare services in the Health Centers and Local Health Units of the Magnesia Region from October to December 2022. The aVHS and the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) were used to identify vaccine hesitancy and the dispositional level of optimism, respectively. For survey translation, the procedure of forward and backward translation was followed. Also, the aVHS was tested in a pilot study with a sample of 18 responders. Construct validity and internal consistency reliability were investigated via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, respectively. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine predictors for vaccine hesitancy. Factor analyses indicated that the aVHS comprises two constructs ("lack of confidence" and "risk perception") explaining 68.9% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha of the total scale was 0.884, indicating its high internal consistency. Participants who lived in rural areas, had a lower annual income, and reported a lower level of optimism showed a higher lack of confidence in vaccination. On the other hand, people aged above 45 years old who had graduated from high school or elementary school and were unemployed showed greater aversion to the risks of side effects. Finally, certain socio-demographic characteristics were associated with vaccine hesitancy. Our data suggest that the aVHS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring vaccine-related attitudes and perceptions in Greek society, providing meaningful insight into designing vaccination-related preventive interventions in the community.

Resilience and mental health among perinatal women: a systematic review.

This review aimed to assess the current evidence on the relationship between resilience and mental health employed in response to the impacts of mental health. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). The protocol of this review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023470966). Three authors searched peer-reviewed articles using several electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Psych Info, EMBASE, and Web of Science, from September to October 2023 and included all the studies from any time until November 1, 2023. The review included all eligible quantitative observational and qualitative studies, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders were found to be the most common, but not the only, mental health disorders during the perinatal period, and higher maternal resilience during perinatal periods was found to reduce mental health disorders. It was also found that pregnant women were more resilient to mental health disorders than postpartum women. Tolerance of uncertainty and a positive cognitive appraisal, women's self-behavior and family functioning, and protective psychosocial resources such as dispositional optimism, parental sense of mastery, self-esteem, gratitude, and forgiveness were found to be the most common mechanisms of resilience among perinatal women. Older age, having an adolescent partner, family income, and distress were found to affect resilience. Noting that women's resilience is an important tool to prevent perinatal mental health disorders, maternal healthcare providers need to counsel perinatal women on resilience-boosting mechanisms, such as applying self-behavior and having social support or close family relationships. It is recommended to counsel or provide psychosocial interventions for the woman's companion or partner to give strong support for the woman in each of the perinatal periods. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=470966, identifier CRD42023470966.

Pathways to Thriving in Palestinian Women Citizens of Israel Experiencing IPV: The Contribution of Personal Resources and Recovery Actions

ABSTRACT Personal resources and recovery actions to face trauma are known to impact the wellbeing of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Although acknowledged as a key component, scant research has been conducted on the recovery trajectories of survivors from Arab societies, especially in Palestinian citizens of Israel. This study examined the contribution of personal resources (empowerment related to safety, dispositional optimism, and potency) to engaging in steps toward recovery and ultimately thriving in 157 Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) victims of IPV. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was applied to test a mediation model that estimated the extent to which personal resources (empowerment related to safety, dispositional optimism, and potency) predicted survivors’ thriving directly and indirectly through the mediating variables of engagement in specific recovery actions. The model revealed direct associations between empowerment related to safety, dispositional optimism, potency, and thriving. Women’s empowerment toward safety positively predicted thriving via establishing healing spaces. Contrary to predictions, although women’s empowerment toward safety positively predicted women’s engagement in connecting/sharing, women’s connecting/sharing negatively predicted their thriving. These findings highlight the importance of women’s personal resources by showcasing their strengths and the steps they take to enhance their thriving within the Israeli- Arab context.

Dispositional optimism, sleep, and trait affective mediators: A latent variable approach

Dispositional optimism has been shown to be associated with better sleep. However, most existing studies rely on subjective assessments of sleep, which may not align with objective assessments of sleep. Additionally, research investigating the mechanisms underlying the association between optimism and sleep is lacking. Moreover, the confounding role of possible content overlap in measures relevant to the constructs of interest has been neglected. To address these gaps, we utilised latent variable analysis and investigated the mediating role of depression and trait anxiety across two large-scale studies (total N = 2312), with objective sleep measures included in Study 2. In Study 1 (N = 1010), a significant and medium association was found between optimism and better subjective sleep. Here, depression emerged as a robust mediator. In Study 2, both objective (N = 742) and subjective (N = 1302) sleep measures were analysed. Findings revealed a small and significant association between optimism and better subjective sleep, which was mediated by depression. However, optimism was not associated with objective sleep. Trait anxiety was a non-significant mediator in both studies. The current study suggests that the association between dispositional optimism and subjective sleep outcomes do not translate to similar results with objective sleep.

Resilience and Self-Management of Hypertension in African American Adults Using a Conceptualized Resilience Framework: An Exploratory Analysis.

Hypertension rates have increased worldwide, with the most significant increase in morbidity and mortality observed among African Americans. Resilience is a potential factor influencing how individuals manage health-related challenges or self-management tasks for hypertension. Research is scarce related to resilience and self-management frameworks in African Americans with hypertension. We aimed to describe a conceptualized resilience framework and preliminary findings of the association among resilience precursors, stress response, hypertension self-management behaviors, and health outcomes in African Americans with hypertension. This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study included African American adults with hypertension, aged 25 years and older, recruited from an academic university and surrounding urban communities in the Midwest. Participants completed standardized, validated questionnaires to examine the association among resilience precursors, stress response, hypertension self-management behaviors, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and blood pressure at baseline. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample demographic characteristics, whereas Pearson's correlational and multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations among the variables. African Americans with hypertension (N = 30) were included in this preliminary study, with a mean age of 59.17 years; 66.7% were female. The mean systolic blood pressure was 136 (SD = 16.8) mmHg; the mean diastolic blood pressure was 78.1 (SD = 13) mmHg. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between resilience precursors, stress response, hypertension self-management behaviors and capability, and health outcome components. Multiple regression analysis showed that poor perceived resilience significantly predicted depression. Low dispositional optimism and low perceived resilience were significant predictors of stress. Higher perceived resilience significantly predicted self-efficacy. Perceived stress was negatively and significantly associated with HRQOL. Finally, higher self-efficacy significantly predicted better HRQOL. This study underscores the significant association between resilience, stress, self-management behaviors, and health outcomes in African Americans with hypertension. Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is warranted to confirm and expand upon these findings.

Вплив позитивних та негативних очікувань на психологічний стан населення: диспозиційний оптимізм vs подовжений стрес

The article attempts to determine the current psychological state of the population, which has been under the pressure of wartime stressors for a long time, and also to clarify the contribution of negative and positive expectations as predictors and protectors of distress. To measure stressful conditions, a brief test for measurement of psychological distress “SCL-9-NR” was used. New tools were created to measure psychological stability and the impact of continuous stress. The results of the study confirmed the generally high level of psychological resilience of the population - a high level of distress was recorded in only 10% of respondents. It has been determined that continuous stress creates high psychological tension and its consequences are felt by the majority of the population, which gives grounds to consider it as a negative psychological state that precedes the onset of distress. Psychological resilience has been confirmed to be both a predictor of distress and a predictor of increased continuous stress. Positive expectations in the form of generalized dispositional optimism are associated with greater activity and communication. Dispositional optimism is negatively associated with age; the level of optimism is lower in the younger age group. In general, expectations act in different directions: negative ones create additional psychological stress, positive ones partially inhibit the effect of stressors. Overall, at the time of the research, the psychological state of the population is at a level that ensures normal life in extreme conditions. Constant monitoring of the situation using developed tools is required.

Beyond Dispositional Optimism and Pessimism: Does the Tripartite Model of Meaning in Life Matter in Predicting Future Well-Being in Adults?

Beyond Dispositional Optimism and Pessimism: Does the Tripartite Model of Meaning in Life Matter in Predicting Future Well-Being in Adults?

The implicit power of positive thinking: The effect of positive episodic simulation on implicit future expectancies.

Previous research demonstrating that positive episodic simulation enhances future expectancies has relied on explicit expectancy measures. The current study investigated the effects of episodic simulation on implicit expectancies. Using the Future Thinking Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (FT-IRAP), participants made true/false decisions to indicate whether or not they expected positive/negative outcomes after adopting orientations consistent or inconsistent with an optimistic disposition. The outcome measure, DIRAP, was based on response time differences between consistent and inconsistent blocks. Participants then engaged in either positive simulation training, in which they imagined positive future events, or a neutral visualisation task before repeating the FT-IRAP twice following 10-minute intervals. Positive simulation training increased DIRAP scores for don't-expect-negative trials-boosting participants' readiness to affirm that negative events were unlikely to happen to them. Although findings did not generalise across all trial types, they show potential for positive simulation training to enhance implicit future expectancies.

Resilient Coping and the Psychometric Properties of the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) Among Healthy Young Men at Military Call-up

A self-report four-item Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) measures tendencies to cope with stress in a highly adaptive manner. We investigated the level of resilient coping and the psychometric properties of the BRCS among young men participating military call-up. The study sample consisted of a one-year military call-up sample (N = 2184) in the Northern Finland. Most of the participants were at the age of 17–18 years. They completed a study questionnaire including the BRCS and other psychosocial scales during the military call-up. The construct validity of the BRCS was assessed with exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed by relating resilient coping with self-reports of dispositional optimism (LOT-R), sense of coherence (SOC-13), perceived stress (PSS-10), general anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (R-BDI). The mean BRCS total score of the participants indicated good resilient coping and was related to specific sociodemographic factors, such as education, relationship status and family structure. The internal consistency of the BRCS was good. EFA and CFA showed that one-factor solution fitted to the data best. BRCS correlated positively with dispositional optimism and sense of coherence, and negatively with perceived stress, general anxiety, and depression. BRCS appears to be psychometrically adequate tool in assessing healthy young men’s resilient coping before commencing their compulsory conscript service. The evaluation of resilient coping prior to military service is important to military forces.

Reciprocal relationships between positive expectancies and positive emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-lagged panel study

Introduction Previous research highlighted the importance of investigating distinct protective factors that predict the experience of positive emotions during stressful situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this longitudinal study, we specifically focused on positive expectancies towards the future (optimism, response expectancy, and response hope) in relation to the experience of positive emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our primary objectives were to identify the best predictors for experiencing short-term and long-term positive emotions and investigate their interrelationships. Methods Data from 271 participants (average age = 29.2 years, 84.7% female) were analyzed using four cross-lagged models. Results Results showed that response expectancy was the best predictor for experiencing positive emotions in the short term, while optimism was the best predictor for experiencing positive emotions in the long term. Additionally, through further exploratory analysis, multiple bidirectional relationships were identified between positive expectancies and positive emotions. Discussion Our results highlight the significant role played by positive expectancies in predicting the experience of positive emotions. Specifically, dispositional optimism emerged as a stronger predictor of longer-term positive emotions, whereas response expectancy proved to be a better predictor of shorter-term positive emotions. Thus, interventions targeting positive expectancies have the potential to enhance emotional functioning in individuals during challenging situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal Resources and Expectations and Health Behaviors Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients—A Multicenter Study

BackgroundThe long-term success of organ transplantation (Tx) depends on the transplant recipient's ability to self-manage symptoms, treatment, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial consequences. Health behavior (HB) determinants include personality traits such as optimism, self-efficacy, and health locus of control. PurposeAssessing the relationship between personal resources and expectations and health behaviors of organ transplant recipients. Material and methodsThe study was conducted between 01/04/2018 and 30/10/2019 at 3 transplant centers in Poland. The study group consisted of 243 Tx recipients of kidney, heart, liver, and lung. The Health Behavior Inventory, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), General Self-Efficacy Scale, Dispositional Optimism Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to collect data. FindingsThe study group had medium levels of dispositional optimism (mean 15) and high levels of self-efficacy (mean 30.18). The MHLC scale was dominated by a belief in the influence of others and an internal locus of control over one's health. The respondents presented a high level of HB (mean 92.09). A positive relationship was found between personal resources (self-efficacy and optimism), MHLC and HB. The presence of depression and anxiety negatively affected personal resources and internal locus of health control and HB in terms of a positive mental attitude. Type of Tx differentiated internal locus of health control and HB. Predictors of HB were dispositional optimism, self-efficacy, influence of others with health locus of control, symptoms of depression, age and time since transplantation-explaining between 6.1% and 14.5% of health behavior categories. ConclusionsTo improve health practices among organ recipients, strengthening their personal resources is recommended. It is necessary to form an internal locus of control for adherence to positive HB.

When the Confounding Effect of Optimism Meets the Collider Effect of Motivation: Prospective teachers’ Moral Motives and Moral Stances

Previous studies clearly indicate the importance of exploring factors that influence teachers’/prospective teachers’ moral stances on teaching-related ethical concerns. However, none of these studies have specifically examined the moral motives of teachers/prospective teachers based on the activation of their moral regulation systems in personal, interpersonal, and social settings, while considering both the collider effect of motivation strength and the confounding effect of dispositional optimism. Such an investigation could provide deeper insights into teachers’ moral stances regarding critical incidents that give rise to ethical concerns within educational environments, particularly during the initial stages of their teaching careers (i.e., teacher education). Therefore, in the current study, prospective teachers’ moral motives were examined as predictors of their perceptions regarding unethical teacher behaviors, considering the collider effect of motivation strength and the confounding effect of dispositional optimism. 701 prospective teachers participated in the study. Comprehensive analyses, including preliminary exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and a main analysis (i.e., set-ESEM), were implemented to investigate the relationships between the research variables thoroughly. The results revealed that the moral motives of ‘self-restraint’ and ‘not harming’ had a significant negative effect on the moral stances of prospective teachers regarding the adoption of unethical teacher behaviors. In contrast, the ‘social order’ moral motive had a significant positive effect on their moral stances toward adopting unethical teacher behaviors. In particular, these effects were not due to the collider effect of motivation strength or the confounding effect of dispositional optimism. Theoretical and practical implications were also discussed in the study.