Construct/Factor Analytic
A confirmatory factor analysis as well as an exploratory factor analysis using maximum-likelihood, with obli-
que rotation suggested that the three-factor model was not optimal. Rather, the WHS is better conceptulaized as
a one-factor model (Juntunen & Wettersten (2006).
Criterion/Predictive
WHS scores are significantly lower among the economically disadvantaged and recipients of welfare as com-
pared with those who attend or have attended college (Juntunen & Wettersten, 2006).
Location
Juntunen, C.L., & Wettersten, K.B. (2006). Work hope: Development and initial validation of a measure. Journal
of Counseling Psychology, 53 ,9 4/C0106.
Results and Comments
Hope in specific domains, with the exception of clinical populations, has been neglected until recent years.
The WHS is especially worthwhile because it acknowledges that hope in general (and in clinical populations)
may be different than hope experienced in specific domains like the workplace. As such, the WHS is suited for
researchers interested in work-related feelings of hope.
WHS-LIKE ITEMS
Directions: Please indicate the extent of your agree-
ment with the following statements from 1 strongly
disagree to 7 strongly agree.
____1. I have plans to succeed in my profession.
____2. I know I won’t be able to find a good job.*
____3. Success at work comes easy for me.
____4. Work is personally rewarding for me.
____5. I don’t think I have the ability to do well at
my job.*
____6. I know how to find jobs that I like.
____7. My professional future looks good.____8. Things will work out well for me.
____9. I cannot find a job.*
____10. I want to work in the community in which
I live.
Notes : Copyright r2006 American Psychological
Association. No portion of the Work Hope Scale may be
reproduced by any means without permission in writing
from the copyright owner.
These items are similar to the items in the Work Hope
Scale.
*Item reverse scored.
Life Orientation Test (LOT/LOT-R)
(Scheier & Carver, 1985; Scheier et al., 1994 ).
Variable
Scheier and Carver (1985) define dispositional optimism as a stable personality trait characterized by general
positive expectancies.
Description
The original LOT consists of 12 statements to which respondents indicate their degree of agreement. Four
items contain positive statements assessing dispositional optimism, four items contain negative statements asses-
sing dispositional optimism, and four contain filler statements. Item response format is on a five point scale
from 0 strongly disagree to 4 strongly agree. Possible scores of overall optimism range from 0 to 32. The revised
LOT (LOT-R) consists of 10 items (three positive, three negative, three filler items). Two problematic coping items
were removed from the original LOT. Item response format mirrors that of the original measure and total scores
range from 0 to 24 ( Scheier et al., 1994 ).62 3. MEASURES OF HOPE AND OPTIMISM
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS