OPTIMISM AND PESSIMISM AS PARTIALLY INDEPENDENT CONSTRUCTS - RELATIONSHIP TO POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE AFFECTIVITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Using weighted least-squares confirmatory factor analysis, support was found for the bi-dimensionality of optimism and pessimism defined as positive and negative outcome expectancies, thus, replicating previous findings (Chang, D'Zurilla & Maydeu-Olivares, 1994; Marshall et al., 1992). In addition, support was also found for the discriminant validi ty and utility of employing separate measures of optimism and pessimis m for predicting individual differences in measures of life satisfacti on and depressive symptoms. Moreover, significant predictive relations with these criterion measures were found even after controlling for t he influence of positive and negative affectivity. Implications regard ing the present findings for future research on optimism and pessimism are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.