Optimism, neuroticism, coping and symptom reports: An alternative interpretation of the Life Orientation Test

Found in two studies that the Life Orientation Test (LOT) had limited discriminant validity relative to measures of neuroticism. Furthermore, although previous correlations of the LOT with measures of symptom reports and coping behaviors were replicated, these correlations were eliminated when neuroticism was controlled. In contrast, the correlations of symptoms and coping with neuroticism remained significant when LOT scores were controlled. Thus, the LOT is virtually indistinguishable from measures of neuroticism, and previously reported findings using this scale are perhaps more parsimoniously interpreted as reflecting neuroticism rather than optimism. These findings are dis-cussed in terms of existing support for models of optimism and self-control and general methodologi-cal issues in studies of personality and health. Individual differences in generalized outcome expectancies play a central role in several conceptual approaches to self-regu-lation and adjustment (e.g., Bandura, 1977; Carver & Scheier, 1982; Kanfer, 1977; Rotter, 1954). Presumably, when faced with a new and potentially difficult situation, individuals with gener-ally positive expectations about the likelihood of future suc