Assessing Unrealistic Optimism
- 1 April 2009
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Health Psychology
- Vol. 14 (3), 372-377
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105308101675
Abstract
The effects of measurement method on levels of unrealistic optimism for developing diabetes were examined in 323 UK adults. A mixed factorial design comprised direct and indirect measures of unrealistic optimism as the within-subjects variable, and between-subjects manipulations of the order of direct versus indirect assessment, the order of self—other comparison, the number of response options used and the polarity of the ratings. More unrealistic optimism was obtained using the direct method and using unipolar scales, and/or with the self—other order in the indirect method. The results indicate that levels of unrealistic optimism depend on its assessment method.Keywords
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