Skeptical Optimism Scale (SkO): Initial Development and Validation

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.