Stability of optimism and choice of coping strategy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2026

Assessment of Stress Effects on Cognitive Flexibility using an Operant Strategy Shifting Paradigm
Published on: May 4, 2020
K D Billingsley1, C A Waehler, S I Hardin
1Department of Psychology, University of Akron, OH 44325-4301.
Abstract:
Dispositional optimism and choice of coping strategies were measured twice to test the hypothesis that optimists and pessimists routinely use different methods of coping with stressful events and that these choices are stable over time. 82 participants completed a measure of optimism (LOT) and of coping strategy choice (COPE) at each of two sessions, four weeks apart. Repeated-measures t tests showed that overall the self-reports of dispositional optimism and all 15 coping strategy factors were stable over the four-week period. In addition, all 16 scales were significantly related to the first administration at follow-up. Regarding the relation between the 15 coping factors and optimism, five remained significantly correlated with optimism at both testings, five remained uncorrelated with optimism at both testings, and five showed minor changes in magnitude of their correlation (and statistical significance) at both testings.
Related Concept Videos
Unrealistic Optimism Bias
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as "workaholics," they...
The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Lazarus's Cognitive Appraisal Theory
Primary Appraisal:...
