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Tags: Psychology , Psychometrics
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Optimism and pessimism are general expectations about future outcomes that influence choices and wellbeing. The Life Orientation Test Revised estimates this tendency in a brief, consistent way so you can understand your baseline and notice changes.

Answer ten plain statements on a five point scale and then review a single total with two companion subscores and a tilt indicator. Results highlight where agreement and disagreement cluster, so patterns feel concrete and easy to act on.

Someone who agrees with forward looking items and disagrees with negative predictions will show a higher total and an optimism tilt. Someone with the opposite pattern may see more cautious expectations and practical suggestions to recalibrate.

Respond as you usually feel rather than how you feel today, and aim for consistency across repeated checks. Your answers stay on this device and are not uploaded. This tool provides informational estimates and does not substitute professional advice. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis.

Technical Details:

The assessment observes self‑reported agreement with ten statements. Six items contribute to scoring and four are fillers that stabilize attention. Responses use a five‑option Likert scale coded as integers 0 to 4 from strongest disagreement to strongest agreement.

The total score combines two components. Optimistic statements add their raw values. Pessimistic statements contribute by reversing their values, which reflects lower pessimism as a positive contribution to the total. Two subscores report these components separately.

Results are summarized into bands that indicate lower, balanced, or higher optimistic expectation. A tilt compares raw optimism against raw pessimism to show the overall direction of expectations, with a small zone indicating balance near the midline.

Comparisons are most meaningful within the same person over time. Self‑report can vary with context and mood, so use repeated measurements and similar conditions when tracking changes.

S = O+P O = ∑⁡ opt items(v) P = ∑⁡ pes items(4−v) T = ∑⁡ opt raw−∑⁡ pes raw
Symbol Meaning Unit/Datatype Source
v Item response (Likert option) integer 0–4 Input
O Optimism subscore (raw sum of optimistic items) integer 0–12 Derived
P Pessimism subscore (reverse‑scored sum) integer 0–12 Derived
T Tilt (optimism raw minus pessimism raw) integer −12–12 Derived
S Total score integer 0–24 Derived

Worked example. Suppose optimistic items 1, 4, 9 are 3, 2, 4 and pessimistic items 3, 7, 8 are 1, 2, 1.

O=3+2+4=9 P= (4−1)+(4−2)+(4−1)=8 S=O+P=9+8=17 T=(9)−(4)=5

Interpretation: S = 17 sits in the Moderate band; T = 5 indicates an optimism‑tilted profile.

Band Lower Bound Upper Bound Meaning Action Cue
Low 0 13 Lower optimistic expectation Practise positive reframing and list small wins.
Moderate 14 18 Balanced expectation Plan with base rates and quick pre‑mortems.
High 19 24 Strong optimistic expectation Pair positivity with realistic milestones.
Parameter Meaning Unit/Datatype Typical Range Sensitivity Notes
Optimistic items Statements 1, 4, 9 integer 0–4 0–4 High Added directly to O and S.
Pessimistic items Statements 3, 7, 8 integer 0–4 0–4 High Reverse‑scored into P and S.
Fillers Statements 2, 5, 6, 10 integer 0–4 0–4 None Not scored; support response quality.

Units, precision, and rounding: all computations use integers. The progress indicator shows a whole‑percent value rounded to the nearest integer.

Field Type Min Max Step/Pattern Error Text Placeholder
Response choice integer 0 4 step 1 — —
Encoded responses r string 10 10 ^[0-4\-]{10}$ Invalid code is ignored. ----------
Input Accepted Families Output Encoding/Precision Rounding
Ten item responses Five‑option Likert radios Total, subscores, tilt, band integers; optional 10‑char code nearest whole percent (progress)

Privacy & compliance. No data is transmitted or stored server‑side. Exports are generated on the device.

Step‑by‑Step Guide:

The Life Orientation Test Revised estimates optimism and pessimism and summarizes results into a clear score and bands.

  1. Read each statement and choose one option on the five point scale 0 to 4.
  2. Move through all ten items until the progress bar reaches one hundred percent.
  3. Review the total score, subscores, tilt, and highlights.
  4. Check the short suggestions that fit your profile.
  5. Optionally export your answers as CSV or DOCX.

Example. A total of 21 appears in the High band with an optimism tilt and a reminder to pair ambition with concrete plans.

  • Answer how you usually feel, not only today.
  • Keep item order and conditions the same when you retest.

Finish by choosing one next step you can try this week.

FAQ:

Is my data stored?

No. Answers are processed on the device and are not uploaded or retained on a server.

Exports are created locally.
How accurate is the score?

It reflects self‑reported expectations using a simple, validated structure. Mood and context can shift results, so compare repeated runs over time.

What do the numbers mean?

The total runs from 0 to 24. Higher values indicate greater optimistic expectation. Subscores run from 0 to 12 for optimism and pessimism.

What does a borderline result mean?

Scores near a band edge can move with small changes. Use subscores and tilt to understand direction before deciding on actions.

Can I export my answers?

Yes. You can copy a CSV summary, download a CSV file, or export a DOCX report.

Does it work without a connection?

Computation happens on the device. Availability of visual elements may depend on whether required assets are already loaded.

What does the tilt show?

Tilt compares optimism raw against pessimism raw. A small range near zero is labeled balanced.

Is there any cost or license?

Use is provided as‑is. Check the site for licensing terms that apply to your context.

Troubleshooting:

  • No score shown: make sure all ten items have a selected option.
  • Gauge missing: reload once scripts are allowed and try again.
  • Copy fails: your browser may block clipboard access; use CSV download.
  • DOCX export stalls: wait a moment, then retry the export.
  • Encoded code does nothing: only ten characters of 0–4 or - are accepted.
  • Progress stuck: scroll the item list and look for unchecked statements.
  • Band feels off: recheck that you used your usual feelings rather than today only.

Advanced Tips:

  • Keep retest times similar during the day to reduce variability.
  • Track subscores to see whether change comes from optimism or reduced pessimism.
  • Use tilt to choose between amplifying strengths or addressing sticking points.
  • Note your context before each run to spot patterns across weeks.
  • Revisit suggestions and pick one small action to trial for seven days.
  • Export answers to discuss trends with a coach or clinician if helpful.

Glossary:

Likert scale
Five‑option agreement scale coded 0 to 4.
Optimism subscore (O)
Sum of optimistic items without reversal.
Pessimism subscore (P)
Sum after reversing pessimistic items.
Total (S)
Combined score from 0 to 24.
Tilt (T)
Difference between optimism raw and pessimism raw.
Band
Category indicating the overall level of optimism.