The Relationships among Optimism, Positive Orientation, and Subjective Well-being

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships among optimism, positive orientation, and subjective well-being. Students (N337) from three universities were administered a questionnaire including the revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and a scale of positive orientation. Factor analysis of positive orientation yielded two factors of upward orientation and maintenance of undisturbed states. Structural equation modeling showed the following. Optimism was positively related to upward orientation and maintenance of undisturbed states. Upward orientation was positively related to subjective wellbeing, but maintenance of undisturbed states was not related to subjective well-being. Optimism was directly and positively related to subjective well-being.