Optimists or optimistic? A taxometric study of optimism.

Jul 29, 2014Psychological assessment

Are Optimism Types Distinct or on a Spectrum? A Study Using Taxometric Analysis

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Abstract

Analysis of data from 510 college students indicates that optimism is dimensional rather than categorical.

  • Research challenges the common practice of classifying individuals strictly as optimists or pessimists.
  • Three indicators derived from measures of hope and optimism were analyzed for taxometric properties.
  • Consistent evidence supports the idea that optimism exists on a continuum.
  • Findings suggest that treating optimism as a categorical variable may not accurately reflect its nature.

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