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Dimensionality and Validity of the Serbian Version of the Life Orientation Test-Revised in a Sample of Youths

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Abstract

The main aim of this research was to evaluate psychometric properties and dimensionality of the Serbian version of the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). The sample consisted of 744 youths, with a mean age 18.68 years. Psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the LOT-R were found to be satisfactory. The total scale and both subscales (Optimism and Pessimism) had adequate internal consistency. Convergent validity was demonstrated by moderate correlations with well-being measures (positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, hope, self-efficacy, loneliness and general distress). The results of confirmatory factor analyses yielded two correlated dimensions reflecting optimism and pessimism, and provided support for the two-factor model of optimism. The results of simultaneous multiple regression analyses demonstrated that both optimism and pessimism contributed uniquely to various indicators of well-being. Implications and directions for future research were discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia (Grant No. 179006).

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Novi Sad, Dr Zorana Djindjica 2, 21 000, Novi Sad, Serbia

    Veljko Jovanović & Vesna Gavrilov-Jerković

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  1. Veljko Jovanović
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  2. Vesna Gavrilov-Jerković
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Correspondence to Veljko Jovanović.

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Jovanović, V., Gavrilov-Jerković, V. Dimensionality and Validity of the Serbian Version of the Life Orientation Test-Revised in a Sample of Youths. J Happiness Stud 14, 771–782 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9354-2

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