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When Less is More: A Short Version of the Personal Optimism Scale and the Self-Efficacy Optimism Scale

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  • Vesna Gavrilov-Jerković
  • Veljko Jovanović
  • Dragan Žuljević
  • Dragana Brdarić

Abstract

The past few years have seen increased theoretical and applied research on the relations between constructs related to positive expectations. However, instruments capable of distinguishing positive expectancy constructs are still lacking. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the 18-item Personal Optimism Scale and Self-Efficacy Optimism Scale. Two student samples from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia were recruited for the present research, with a total of 728 participants. The results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses did not support the theoretically expected structure. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis and content validity support shortening the scale to 9 items. The short versions of the scales demonstrated adequate reliability in internal consistency and adequate concurrent and convergent validity by significant correlations with dispositional optimism, general self-efficacy, hope, resilience and subjective well-being. The analyses lead us to conclude that a shorter 4-item Personal Optimism Scale and a 5-item Self-Efficacy Optimism Scale provide a clear, precise measures of two types of positive expectations. The authors argue that the limitations of the original scales emanate from their vague theoretical-substantive validity, and call for future research to replicate these findings. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Vesna Gavrilov-Jerković & Veljko Jovanović & Dragan Žuljević & Dragana Brdarić, 2014. "When Less is More: A Short Version of the Personal Optimism Scale and the Self-Efficacy Optimism Scale," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 455-474, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:15:y:2014:i:2:p:455-474
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-013-9432-0
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Michal Biron & Hilla Peretz & Keren Turgeman-Lupo, 2020. "Trait Optimism and Work from Home Adjustment in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Considering the Mediating Role of Situational Optimism and the Moderating Role of Cultural Optimism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Veljko Jovanović & Dylan Molenaar & Vesna Gavrilov-Jerković & Milica Lazić, 2021. "Positive Expectancies and Subjective Well-Being: A Prospective Study Among Undergraduates in Serbia," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1239-1258, March.
    3. Veljko Jovanović & Milica Lazić, 2020. "Is Longer Always Better? A Comparison of the Validity of Single-item Versus Multiple-item Measures of Life Satisfaction," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(3), pages 675-692, July.
    4. Veljko Jovanović & Vesna Gavrilov-Jerković, 2016. "The Structure of Adolescent Affective Well-Being: The Case of the PANAS Among Serbian Adolescents," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 17(5), pages 2097-2117, October.

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