Construct/Factor Analytic
A principal components analysis with varimax rotation as well as a separate confirmatory factor analysis
supported three dimensions labeled: negative affect/pessimism, fighting spirit, and positive affect/optimism
(Olason & Roger, 2001 ).
Criterion/Predictive
PANEQ scores positively predict satisfaction with life ( r5.36) ( Olason & Roger, 2001 ).
Location
Olason, D.T., & Roger, D. (2001). Optimism, pessimism and ‘fighting spirit’: A new approach to assessing
expectancy and adaptation. Personality and Individual Differences, 31 , 755/C0768.
Results and Comments
The PANEQ is unique in that it conceptualizes optimism and pessimism not as two sides of the same con-
struct, but rather as two separate, albeit negatively related, constructs. Taking this into consideration, the PANEQ
is useful for assessing both optimism and pessimism as well as ‘fighting spirit’ self-confidence. This seems to
be its primary advantage above other measures which may not adequately assess these related but
distinct constructs.
PANEQ-LIKE ITEMS
Item response in on a four point Likert scale from 1
strongly disagree to 4 strongly agree.
1.My feelings often irritate me. (Negative Affect/
Pessimism)*
2.It doesn’t take much to stress me out. (Negative
Affect/Pessimism)*
3.If I had to take a test tomorrow, I would expect to
fail. (Negative Affect/Pessimism)*
4.I often imagine that the worst possible thing is about
to happen. (Negative Affect/Pessimism)*
5.I am a determined person. (Fighting Spirit)
6.I am a strong person. (Fighting Spirit)7.I am a fighter. (Fighting Spirit)
8.I am easily pleased. (Positive Affect/Optimism)
9.I often get so happy I have to be peeled off the
ceiling. (Positive Affect/Optimism)
10.I am a fortunate person. (Positive Affect/Optimism)
Notes : Copyright r2001 Elsevier Limited. No portion
of the PANEQ Scale may be reproduced by any means
without permission in writing from the copyright
owner.
These items are similar to the items in the PANEQ
Scale.
*Item reverse scored.
Cancer Patient Optimism Scale (CPOS)
(Radwin et al., 2005).
Variable
Radwin and colleagues (2005) defined optimism as the ‘patient’s belief that he or she had made appropriate
choices regarding treatment and the patient’s hopefulness about treatment outcomes’ (p. 93). Although they used
hope in their definition, Radwin et al. (2005) acknowledged the limitations of measures of hope used in medical
settings (e.g., Herth Hope Scale) to measure optimism (Radwin et al., 2005).
Description
The CPOS is part of a measure that assesses patient fortitude, trust in nurses, and authentic self-
representation. Although the scale consists of 16 items, only four are devoted to assessing patient optimism.
Participants are asked to answer each question using a six-point scale ranging from 1 ‘never’ to 6 ‘always.’
Scores are then transformed into a 0 /C0100 range, with higher numbers reflecting higher levels of optimism
(Radwin et al., 2005).68 3. MEASURES OF HOPE AND OPTIMISM
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS