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Skeptical Optimism Scale (SkO): Initial Development and Validation.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Skeptical optimism, a blend of positive expectations and critical analysis, is measured by the new Skeptical Optimism Scale (SkO). This scale demonstrates validity and predicts creativity, offering a brief, reliable assessment.

Keywords:
creativitycritical thinking dispositiongritreliabilityskeptical optimismvalidity

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Personality Science

Background:

  • Skeptical optimism combines positive future expectations with critical evaluation of potential negative outcomes.
  • Existing measures may not fully capture this nuanced dispositional tendency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Introduce and validate the Skeptical Optimism Scale (SkO).
  • Assess the scale's reliability, content, construct, and criterion validity.
  • Develop brief versions for practical application.

Main Methods:

  • Item pool generation and content analysis.
  • Factor analysis for scale structure validation.
  • Criterion and predictive validity testing with established scales and creativity measures.

Main Results:

  • A 17-item SkO scale with a three-factor structure demonstrated good reliability and validity.
  • A 9-item version was developed, retaining psychometric qualities.
  • The SkO scale showed significant positive correlations with core self-evaluation, critical thinking, and grit.
  • The SkO scale was the sole significant predictor of creativity quotient.

Conclusions:

  • The SkO scale is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring skeptical optimism.
  • Both 17-item and 9-item versions are suitable for research and practice.
  • Skeptical optimism is a valuable construct linked to critical thinking, resilience, and creativity.