Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R)
Psychology: Mental HealthReliability: alpha 0.783 sample items
About this scale
A 10-item measure of dispositional optimism (3 optimism + 3 pessimism + 4 fillers) — generalized expectations about positive vs. negative outcomes. Foundational well-being measure.
Sample item(s)
“In uncertain times, I usually expect the best (optimism)”
“If something can go wrong for me, it will (pessimism, reverse)”
“I'm always optimistic about my future (optimism)”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: alpha 0.78. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
Free for academic use.
Source & citation
Scheier, M. F., Carver, C. S., & Bridges, M. W. (1994): Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 67, No. 6, pp. 1063–1078.
Scheier, Carver & Bridges (1994): LOT-R. JPSP, 67(6), 1063–1078.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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