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The Innovation Arena: A Method for Comparing Innovative Problem-Solving Across Groups
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Comparative and dispositional optimism as separate and interactive predictors.

Andrew L Geers1, Justin A Wellman, Stephanie L Fowler

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA. andrew.geers@utoledo.edu

Psychology & Health
|July 25, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Dispositional optimism and comparative optimism uniquely and interactively predict reactions to health feedback. Understanding these optimism types can enhance receptiveness to health information.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Social Psychology

Background:

  • Dispositional optimism and comparative optimism are distinct psychological constructs.
  • Research has largely examined these optimism types in isolation, limiting understanding of their combined effects.
  • Their predictive utility for reactions to health-related feedback remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the unique and interactive predictive roles of dispositional and comparative optimism.
  • To examine how these optimism types influence cognitive and affective responses to dental health feedback.
  • To assess the impact of feedback valence (unpleasant vs. neutral) on these relationships.

Main Methods:

  • Two studies were conducted involving participants receiving dental health feedback.
  • Measures of dispositional optimism and dental health comparative optimism were administered.
  • Appraisals of feedback, interest, receptiveness, and affect were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Dispositional and comparative optimism interacted to predict appraisals of dental health feedback in both studies.
  • This interaction was significant for negative feedback but not neutral feedback.
  • Individuals high in dispositional optimism and low in comparative optimism showed greater interest and receptiveness to feedback.
  • Comparative optimism predicted reduced negative affect, while dispositional optimism predicted increased positive affect.

Conclusions:

  • Comparative and dispositional optimism serve as both unique and interactive predictors of responses to health information.
  • The interplay between these optimism types influences how individuals process and react to dental health feedback.
  • Findings highlight the importance of considering both dispositional tendencies and social comparison in optimism research within health contexts.