Life Orientation Test-Revised Research Articles

The Effect of Induced Optimism on Situational Pain Catastrophizing.

BackgroundThere is broad evidence that optimism is associated with less pain, while pain catastrophizing leads to increased pain. The aim of this study was to examine whether experimentally induced optimism can reduce situational pain catastrophizing and whether this relation is moderated by dispositional optimism and/or dispositional pain catastrophizing.MethodsSituational pain catastrophizing during two thermal stimulations was measured in 40 healthy participants with the Situational Catastrophizing Questionnaire (SCQ). Between the two stimulations, the Best Possible Self (BPS) imagery and writing task was performed to induce situational optimism in the experimental group while the control group wrote about their typical day. Questionnaires were administered to assess dispositional optimism [Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R)] and dispositional pain catastrophizing [Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)].ResultsThere was a significant interaction between the optimism induction and trait pain catastrophizing: the association of trait pain catastrophizing with state pain catastrophizing was weakened after the optimism induction. No overall effect of induced optimism on situational pain catastrophizing and no significant moderating influence of trait optimism were found.ConclusionThe state optimism induction apparently counteracted the manifestation of dispositional pain catastrophizing as situational pain catastrophizing. This implies that high trait pain catastrophizers may have especially benefitted from the optimism induction, which is in line with resilience models stressing the buffering role of optimism.

Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Optimism According to Gender and Social Context (Urban vs. Rural)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of Emotional Intelligence on optimistic–pessimistic attitudes in a sample of 177 people from the Autonomous Community of Andalusia (Spain). The sample consisted of 102 women (57.60%) and 75 men (42.40%), who live in different localities depending on the number of residents (urban and rural context). The instruments used in the study were: The Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R), Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQi-C), and Wong–Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-S). The results indicated that Emotional Intelligence was positively related to optimism and negatively related to pessimism (p < 0.01). In addition, pessimism was found to be significantly related to the rural context, but not to the urban context. The multigroup Structural Equations model was developed for the gender variable, and it had good structural validity (χ2 = 96.485; RMSEA = 0.056; GFI = 0.901; CFI = 0.900; IFI = 0.907), which was greater for the female gender. The practical consequences of this study help to understand the usefulness of EQ on optimism–pessimism as an attribute between urban vs. rural areas and the effect of living in socio-culturally different environments.

Profiles of Wellbeing in Soft and Hard Mountain Hikers.

The aim of the study was to analyze the wellbeing profiles in a group of Polish mountain hikers. The study involved 242 young people (M = 23.50; SD = 4.40) who completed various wellbeing scales: The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Time Satisfaction Scale (TSS), Hope Scale, General Self-Efficiency Scale, Ego Resiliency Scale, Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), and Adventure-Seeking Behavior Scale. Cluster analyses revealed two types of mountain hikers: hard adventure hikers and soft adventure hikers, with different profiles of subjective wellbeing. Hard adventure hikers most often revealed high levels of life satisfaction, control of life, meaning of life, and positive emotions, along with low levels of negative emotions. Moreover, these hikers revealed high levels of satisfaction in various time perspectives (past, present, and future) and a high level of psychological capital. On the other hand, soft adventure hikers most often revealed an average level of satisfaction with life, control of life, and positive emotions, average satisfaction in the past and present time perspective, and average levels of psychological capital. Soft adventure hikers also revealed higher levels of negative emotions and satisfaction in the future time perspective. The present research indicated that mountain hikers are not a homogenous group. The profiles of wellbeing in the hikers varied depending on the type of stimulating behavior in a natural environment.

Life Satisfaction and Engagement among University Undergraduates: A Moderated Mediation Model of Academic Self-efficacy and Life Orientation

This study examined the conditional indirect effect of optimism in the interplay between life satisfaction and student engagement through academic self-efficacy. Participants were 166 (mean age = 21.72, σ = 2.71, ♀ = 57.8%) university undergraduates, who responded to an online survey containing Student Engagement Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, General Academic Self-Efficacy Scale and Life Orientation Test-Revised. Data were screened for normality and intercorrelation using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistical tool. Both the direct and indirect effects were estimated using the AMOS Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) procedure while the conditional indirect effect was ascertained using the Hayes (2018) Process Macro. Results showed that life satisfaction, academic self-efficacy and optimism were independent predictors of student engagement. The indirect effect of academic self-efficacy in the life orientation - student engagement link was also significant. The study concluded that the conditional indirect effect of optimism in the association between life satisfaction and student engagement via academic self-efficacy was stronger for low optimistic undergraduate students.

Determinants Affecting the Rationing of Nursing Care and Professional Burnout among Oncology Nurses.

Rationing of nursing care (RNC) is characterized by the omission of any aspect of the required patient care, resulting in incomplete or delayed nursing activities. Oncology nurses are exposed to a very high psychological burden, which can lead to the development of professional burnout syndrome (PBS). The level of PBS might be related to life and job satisfaction. This study aimed to identify determinants affecting RNC and reveal the relationship between RNC, life and job satisfaction, and the PBS levels among oncology nurses. The sample was a hundred oncology nurses from four hospitals in Poland with a mean age of 43.26 ± 10.69 years. The study was conducted from March 2019 to February 2020. The self-administered sociodemographic questionnaire and validated scales determining missed nursing care, job and life satisfaction, and life orientation were used: Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care-Revised (BERNCA-R), Satisfaction with Job Scale (SWJS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The mean BERNCA score was 1.55 ± 0.15, which indicates the frequency of RNC was between “never” and “rarely”. The mean SWJS score was 11.71 ± 5.97, which showed that nurses were “dissatisfied” and “rather dissatisfied” with their job. A low SWLS score was reported by 59% of nurses, which means that more than half of the respondents described their life satisfaction as low. In LOT-R, 66% of nurses reported pessimistic and 31% neutral life orientation. The mean overall MBI score was 49.27 ± 19.76 points (EE = 63.56 ± 25.37, DEP = 37.2 ± 24.95, and lack of PA = 47.05 ± 22.04), which means that half of the nurses perceived burnout and half did not. Additionally, the higher the job satisfaction (SWJS), the more frequent the RNC (BERNCA) (p < 0.05). The greater the EE, the stronger the sense of lack of PA, and the higher the PBS (MBI) level, the less frequent the RNC (BERNCA). In conclusion, there is a phenomenon of omission of some aspects of care among oncology nurses, but it is not frequent and concerns areas not directly related to therapeutic tasks, but requiring effort and not resulting in quick noticeable effects. It depends only little on life satisfaction and more on job satisfaction and PBS level. The results may indicate the professionalism of Polish nurses, their responsibility towards their patients’ life and health, and the sense of mission that enables them to perform their duties regardless of the external and internal difficulties. The presence of the PBS phenomenon in oncology nurses highlights the need for continued research in this area.

Gratitude, Optimism, Religiosity, and Subjective Well-Being among Asthma Patients in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

This research aimed to analyze the correlation between three variables (gratitude, optimism, and religiosity) and subjective well-being among asthma patients. The subjects of this research were 160 Muslim asthma patients aged 18-39 years-old in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected using researcher-administered questionnaires consisting of five scales. Subjective well-being was measured using two scales: Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Gratitude was measured using the Psychological Measure of Islamic Gratitude (PMIG) scale. Optimism was measured using the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) concept. Religiosity was measured using five dimensions: belief, religious practices, religious experiences, religious knowledge, and practicing and consequence. The result showed a positive correlation between three variables (gratitude, optimism, and religiosity) and subjective well-being among asthma patients. Furthermore, the results also showed that there was no significant difference of subjective well-being between male and female subjects, between adolescent and adult subjects, and between groups of subjects based on duration of being diagnosed with asthma.

Analysis of the resilience level and associated factors among patients with lumbar disc herniation

This study aims to determine the resilience level and its influence on anxiety among Chinese lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients, and to determine the critical psychological and non-psychological predictors of resilience among LDH patients. Twenty hundred and fifty LDH patients from a tertiary hospital in Jinzhou, China were included in this survey to answer the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). The mean resilience level of LDH patients was 61.96 ± 12.37. Resilience was negatively correlated with anxiety (χ2 = 32.603, p < 0.001), accompanied by a significant linear trend (χ2 = 28.567, p < 0.001). Hope, stress, social support, and medical payment type accounted for 48.7% resilience variance. This study reveals that Chinese LDH patients had low resilience level, and that lower level of resilience was closely associated with higher anxiety level. The predictors for resilience among LDH patients include hope, stress, social support, as well as medical payment types. These findings provide local government and related health-care professionals with a basis for development of targeted mental health management of Chinese LDH patients, and will also help to devise appropriate health intervention strategies for promoting the mental health status of LDH patients.

The relationship between optimism, MCI, and dementia among postmenopausal women

Objectives The relationship between optimism and cognitive functioning is not fully understood. We examined the association of optimism with risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS). Methods Optimism was measured by the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) total score, and optimism and pessimism subscales. A panel of experts adjudicated cognitive endpoints based on annual cognitive assessments. We used cox proportional hazard regression models to examine the association of LOT-R total score and optimism and pessimism sub-scores with MCI/dementia. We also examined the relationship between vascular disease, LOT-R total score, optimism and pessimism, and cognition. Results Mean age was 70.5 (SD = 3.9) years. The sample (N = 7249) was 87% white, and 29.8% of participants had < 12 years of education. Total LOT-R score (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98, p < 0.001) was associated with lower risk of combined MCI or dementia. More pessimism (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.11, p < 0.0001) was associated with higher risk of MCI or dementia after adjustment for ethnicity, education, vascular disease, and depression. No significant relationships emerged from the optimism subscale. Conclusion These data suggest that less pessimism, but not more optimism, was associated with a lower risk of MCI and dementia.

Pain catastrophizing and associated factors in preoperative total knee arthroplasty in Lanzhou, China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPain catastrophizing in preoperative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients is associated with several poorly characterised factors in the literature. This study investigated the current state and associated factors of preoperative pain catastrophizing in patients undergoing TKA.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the orthopedics ward of two tertiary hospitals in Lanzhou, China. Pain catastrophizing was measured using the Chinese versions of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Short Form-36 (physical function domain), Numerical Rating Scale, Oxford Knee Score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Life Orientation Test-Revised.ResultsThe study included 360 participants. Preoperative TKA pain catastrophizing in all patients was high, with a mean score of 24.92 (SD: 12.38). The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed anxiety (β = 0.548, P < 0.01), education level (β = − 0.179, P < 0.01), physical function (β = − 0.156, P < 0.01), and pain intensity during activity (β = 0.105, P = 0.015) as associated factors for pain catastrophizing, possibly explaining 51.2% of the total variation (F = 95.149, P < 0.01).ConclusionAnxiety was the most relevant factor for pain catastrophizing in patients with preoperative TKA. Lower education levels, poor physical function, and stronger pain intensity during the activity were also associated with pain catastrophizing.

Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Burnout in non-formal teachers of people with disabilities

INTRODUCTION. The direct involvement of professionals who carry out their activity with people with Intellectual Disability can generate a high degree of stress and emotional exhaustion. The objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between emotional intelligence and dispositional optimism in processes of professional Burnout. METHOD. One hundred forty-four subjects participated in this study, belonging to the Andalusian Association of Organizations in favor of people with Intellectual Disability (Spain). The following instruments were used: Life Orientation Test Revised, Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 and Maslach Burnout Inventory. The reliability of the scores of each instrument (Cronbach's alpha and Omega coefficient), correlation between the scores in each of the dimensions, an analysis of differences of means (Student's t and ANOVA) based on the sociodemographic variables considered, is analyzed as well as a model of structural equations to determine the effects and relationships established by the different constructs under study. RESULTS. The results showed the positive relationship between some of the dimensions of burnout (emotional fatigue, personal fulfilment), emotional intelligence (repair) and dispositional optimism (p&lt;.05). An analysis was performed using structural equations, concluding that the indicators with the greatest regression weight are the Burnout variables (depersonalization) and negatively (personal fulfillment). DISCUSSION. The discussion examines whether findings from the study follow the current trend in research conducted in this field. Among the main contributions of this investigation project is the fact that it is one of the first studies where Emotional Intelligence, Burnout and Dispositional Optimism in professionals of non-formal education of people with Intellectual Disabilities are included.

Independent and Joint Associations of Pessimism, Total Calorie Intake and Acid-Producing Diets with Insomnia Symptoms among Breast Cancer Survivors.

Insomnia is prevalent in up to 40% of breast cancer survivors. Few studies have examined pessimism and dietary factors as risk factors for insomnia among breast cancer survivors. We leveraged a cohort of 2944 breast cancer survivors who enrolled in the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living study; these survivors provided dietary, insomnia, mental health, demographic, and lifestyle information at baseline and at 1- and 4-year follow-up assessments. Insomnia symptoms were assessed using the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)-Insomnia Rating Scale, and pessimism was assessed using the Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R). Total calorie intake and acid-producing diets were assessed using 24 h dietary recalls. Multivariable-adjusted generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to test the independent and joint effects of psychological and dietary factors on insomnia. In the multivariable model, women in the third tertile of pessimism had greater odds (OR = 1.57 95% CI [1.37–1.79]) of insomnia when compared to women in the lowest tertile. Total calorie intake and acid-producing diets were each independently and significantly associated with insomnia symptoms. Further, pessimism and calorie intake/acid-producing diets were jointly associated with insomnia. For instance, women with pessimism scores in tertile 3 and total calorie intakes < median reported 2 times the odds (OR = 2.09; 95% CI [1.51–3.47]) of insomnia compared to women with pessimism score in tertile 1 and calorie intakes < median. Our results highlight the need for patient care regarding mental health, and recommendations of healthy dietary intakes for breast cancer survivors.

The Athletic Identity and Level of Optimism of Selected University of Santo Tomas Institute Student-Athletes during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The purpose of the study. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sporting events, which led to the cancellation of games and student-athletes being isolated at home and conducting their training online. The study looked at how student-athletes view themselves and their levels of optimism before and during the pandemic. Materials and methods. The study is a descriptive quantitative research that adapted the constructs of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) and Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R). Slovin’s formula and stratified random sampling were used to select the respondents. Google Form was used to gather data on the 154 UST-IPEA student-athletes. For data analysis, Microsoft Data Analysis ToolPak was used as statistical software. Results. The results show that the factors of Level of Optimism, namely: Gender, Typology of Sports, and Competitive Level, do not affect the student-athletes Level of Optimism before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the factors of Athletic Identity, namely: Gender, Year Level, and Socioeconomic Status, do not affect the student-athletes’ Athletic Identity before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one factor that affects the student-athletes’ Athletic Identity during the COVID-19 pandemic is the Typology of Sports. To sum up, the Athletic Identity and Level of Optimism possess a weak correlation. Conclusions. . Based on the results of the study, it is concluded to regularly monitor the student-athletes’ Athletic Identity and Level of Optimism by taking the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) by Brewer &amp; Cornelius (2001) and Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R)).

Influence of Dispositional Optimism on Ethically Salient Research Perspectives: A Pilot Study.

Research participants should be drawn as fairly as possible from the potential volunteer population. Underlying personality traits are underexplored as factors influencing research decision-making. Dispositional optimism, known to affect coping, physical health, and psychological well-being, has been minimally studied with respect to research-related attitudes. We conducted an exploratory, online survey with 151 individuals (with self-reported mental illness [n = 50], physical illness [n = 51], or neither [n = 50]) recruited via MTurk. We evaluated associations between dispositional optimism (assessed with the Life Orientation Test-Revised) and general research attitudes, perceived protectiveness of five research safeguards, and willingness to participate in research using safeguards. Strongly optimistic respondents expressed more positive research attitudes and perceived four safeguards as more positively influencing willingness to participate. Optimism was positively associated with expressed willingness to participate in clinical research. Our findings add to a limited literature on the influence of individual traits on ethically salient research perspectives.

Cognitive-behavioral group therapy in major depressive disorder with focus on self-esteem and optimism: an interventional study

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder is a common psychological condition that can lead to negative individual and social consequences, the management of which is very important in treating the patients. The present study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive-behavioral group therapy on self-esteem and optimism in patients with major depressive disorder.MethodsThis is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial in which a total of 64 patients with major depressive disorder were recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to two groups of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) and Treatment-As-Usual (TAU). Data collection tools consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R). In the pretest stage, participants in both groups completed the above questionnaires before the intervention. Patients in the CBGT group received eight 90-min sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy during four weeks (two sessions a week). Then participants re-completed RSES and LOT-R immediately, three months, and six months after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 16.0 using chi-squared test, independent-samples t-test, and repeated measures Analysis of Variance. The significance level (p-value) was considered to be less than 0.05.ResultsIt was indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of self-esteem and optimism between the two groups immediately, three months, and six months after the intervention (p < .05). The mean scores of self-esteem and optimism in the CBGT group increased significantly after the intervention compared to before it, although these scores gradually decreased over the three measurement time points after the intervention.ConclusionsBased upon the results, it was concluded that the level of optimism and self-esteem increased significantly in the CBGT group after the intervention, although the levels of the above variables dropped again in the long run after the intervention due to the discontinuity of CBGT sessions. Therefore, it is necessary to take particular measures to regularly hold the sessions of CBGT for patients with major depressive disorder.Trial registration numberIRCT20140212016564N15, The date of registration: 20–09-2021, Retrospectively registered.

Family Functioning and Optimism as Protective Factors of Life Satisfaction Among Stroke Patients During the COVID-19 Epidemic in Shenyang, China.

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic may result in detrimental consequences for stroke patient's wellbeing. Family functioning and optimism could help stroke patients cope with crises leading to possible improvements in life satisfaction. This study aims to explore the protective effects of family functioning and optimism on life satisfaction among stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. A total of 207 stroke inpatients who were receiving pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation in general public hospital of Liaoning province during the COVID-19 pandemic in China were consecutive selected and interviewed by online questionnaires via the WeChat platform effectively from April 8 to 30, 2020. The scales included: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) Scale and Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R). Hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) analysis was conducted to test the associated factors of life satisfaction. Stroke patient's life satisfaction was at a high level (Mean = 26.46, SD = 6.23) during the pandemic. Stroke patient's residence, duration of stroke, stroke type, and community shut down measures were the strong predictors of life satisfaction. Family functioning and optimism increased life satisfaction among stroke patients. This study contributes to the research on the association between family functioning and optimism on life satisfaction among stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions that improve family functioning and enhance optimism should be provided in order to elevate life satisfaction for stroke patients.

The effect of stillbirth and late termination of pregnancy on the emergence of post-traumatic symptoms among attending medical personnel

The purpose of this paper was to assess the impact and the post-traumatic potential of late termination of pregnancy (TOP) and stillbirth on medical staff and characterise personal attributes that modulate these possible outcomes. Fifty-one participants involved in the treatment of women undergoing late TOPs and stillbirths answered questionnaires including demographics, Neuroticism subscale of the Big Five Inventory (BFI), Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) and questions regarding exposure to stillbirths and late TOPs. None of the participants met the full post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria. A correlation with a marginal significance was found between the number of TOP's/stillbirths attended during the past year and traumatic symptoms. Neuroticism moderated the association between presence in TOP's/stillbirths and post-traumatic symptoms among those who attended this event over the past month. According to our results, medical personnel do not appear to develop long-term and lingering posttraumatic symptoms following attending TOP’s/stillbirths. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject ? There is a very little research on the ways in which medical personnel respond to Stillbirths, late miscarriages and terminations of pregnancy (TOP) of their patients and on the possible effect of their personality traits in this response. What do the results of this study add ? According to our results, medical personnel do not appear to develop long-term and lingering posttraumatic symptoms following attending TOP’s/stillbirths. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research ? Further studies are warranted to better assess the impact of exposure to traumatic events in general and on the effect of late TOP and stillbirths in particular, on medical personnel and to identify interventions that may prevent posttraumatic symptoms among staff members when they happen.

The Association of Dispositional Optimism and Pessimism With Cardiovascular Disease Events in Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objective: Positive psychosocial factors may protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to determine the association of optimism and pessimism with CVD events in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: 11,651 adults aged 70years and over, participants of the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP), were followed-up for 4.7years (median). The association of optimism and pessimism (assessed as separate constructs by revised Life Orientation Test) and incident CVD events (composite and components) was assessed by Cox regression adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic and health factors. Results: No association was observed between optimism and pessimism with composite CVD events. Being more pessimistic was associated with a greater risk of fatal coronary heart disease, while being more optimistic was associated with a lower risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Optimism and pessimism may shape cardiovascular health of older adults; and we argue these psychosocial factors should be researched as separate constructs.

Personal Resources of Winter and Summer Hikers Visiting the Tatra National Park, Poland.

To assess personal resources: Core Self Evaluations and Psychological Capital (HERO) of 95 winter Hikers (M age = 27.10 yrs.; SD = 7.30) and 98 summer Hikers (M age = 25.30 yrs.; SD = 5.40) visiting the Tatra National Park (Poland). The hikers filled in seven scales. These were: the Delta Questionnaire for measure Locus of Control, the Neuroticism scale (from the NEO-FFI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Hope Scale, The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Ego Resiliency Scale, and The Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R). The results indicated significant differences between winter and summer hikers in the Tatras. The winter hikers scored higher on self-esteem, hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, and lower on external locus of control and neuroticism than summer hikers. This study also examined the factor structure of the personal resources in the hikers’ samples. The results suggested that the scales extracted two factors: Cognitive Resources and Affective Reactivity. These factors discriminate between winter and summer hikers. The Cognitive Resources factor is more important in effective adaptation to the wild world of nature than Affective Reactivity.

Self-Efficacy, Optimism, and Academic Performance as Psychoeducational Variables: Mediation Approach in Students.

Background: During the various stages of education, adolescents undergo emotional and motivational experiences that can play key roles in their development. This study aims to analyse the relationship among academic self-efficacy, optimism, and academic performance. Methods: This study comprised 1852 adolescent (male, N = 956, 51.61% and female, N = 896, 48.38%) aged 12–19 years (M = 14.77; SD = 1.80) from twelve secondary schools in Spain. The instruments used for the evaluation were the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) and the Life Orientation Test—Revised (LOT-R); the students’ average marks were used to measure their academic performance. Results: The results of the study revealed significant correlations among self-efficacy, optimism and academic performance. Conclusions: These results emphasise the importance of academic self-efficacy as a mediating variable between the other two variables as well as its central role in the promotion of adaptive behaviours in the classroom, leading to adequate personal development, helping to prevent early school dropout and contributing to a more satisfactory academic experience.

Optimism and Longevity Among Japanese Older Adults.

Optimism has been linked to better physical health across various outcomes, including greater longevity. However, most evidence is from Western populations, leaving it unclear whether these relationships may generalize to other cultural backgrounds. Using secondary data analysis, we evaluated the associations of optimism among older Japanese adults. Data were from a nationwide cohort study of Japanese older adults aged ≥65 years (Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study; n = 10,472). In 2010, optimism and relevant covariates (i.e., sociodemographic factors, physical health conditions, depressive symptoms, and health behaviors) were self-reported. Optimism was measured using the Japanese version of the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). Lifespan was determined using mortality information from the public long-term care insurance database through 2017 (7-year follow-up). Accelerated failure time models examined optimism (quintiles or standardized continuous scores) in relation to percent differences in lifespan. Potential effect modification by gender, income, and education was also investigated. Overall, 733 individuals (7%) died during the follow-up period. Neither continuous nor categorical levels of optimism were associated with lifespan after progressive adjustment for covariates (e.g., in fully-adjusted models: percent differences in lifespan per 1-SD increase in continuous optimism scores= -1.2%, 95%CI: -3.4, 1.1 higher versus lower optimism quintiles= -4.1%, 95%CI: -11.2, 3.6). The association between optimism and lifespan was null across all sociodemographic strata as well. Contrary to the existing evidence from Western populations, optimism was unrelated to longevity among Japanese older adults. The association between optimism, as evaluated by the LOT-R, and longevity may differ across cultural contexts.