Optimism-Pessimism Test

How Do You View the Future?

1 / 100%

In uncertain times, I usually expect the best

Choose how much each statement applies to you

Optimism is a habit of expecting things to turn out well

Psychologists Michael Scheier and Charles Carver called the general tendency to expect good outcomes “dispositional optimism” and built the LOT-R (1994) to measure it. This test uses several LOT-R items plus four added by OIYO. Optimism has been studied not as ignoring problems but as a way of expecting that keeps people holding on to their goals through difficulty.

Key ideas

Dispositional optimism

The tendency to expect a good outcome first when things are uncertain.

Realistic optimism

Expecting good outcomes while still looking at the risks.

When pessimism helps

“Defensive pessimism”, picturing the worst in advance, can be a way for anxious people to prepare.

Frequently asked questions

Is more optimism always better?

It is generally linked to better coping and health habits, but over-optimism that underrates risk can backfire.

Can optimism be practised?

Expectation habits can shift a little at a time — for example by noting what went well, or catching the habit of reading bad events as permanent and all-encompassing.

Is this the same as a LOT-R score?

No. Like the LOT-R it mixes optimistic and pessimistic items and reverses the pessimistic ones, but all ten items are scored, including the four OIYO added, so the total cannot be compared with LOT-R scores.

This result is a reference for understanding yourself. Do not use it as grounds for diagnosis, hiring or evaluation.

Models This Test References

Referenced scales and theories

Life Orientation Test–Revised (LOT-R; Scheier, Carver & Bridges, 1994) — several items follow the published wording
four OIYO-added items; all ten are scored, so totals are not LOT-R scores
dispositional optimism research

Before you read

Results are reflection signals, not fixed labels. Use them alongside context, experience, and feedback from people who know you.

Source note updated: 2026-09-28 View methodology