Multidimensional Properties of the Lot-R: Effects of Optimism and Pessimism on Career and Wellbeing Related Variables in Adolescence

The Life Orientation Test–Revised (LOT-R), measures of career maturity, career decision-making, career goals, and well-being were administered to 504 high school students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated bi-dimensionality rather than uni-dimensionality for the LOT-R, with the two factors of optimism and pessimism being largely unrelated. Those with high optimism reported high levels of career planning and exploration, were more confident about their career decisions, and had more career related goals. Those with high pessimism reported low levels of career and decision-making knowledge, were more career indecisive, and reported low levels of school achievement. For well-being, those with high levels of optimism reported high levels of self-esteem and low levels of psychological distress, whereas those with high levels of pessimism reported low levels of self-esteem and more psychological distress