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A new approach to assessing optimism: the development of a german version of the positive and negative expectancies questionnaire (paneq-g)

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Abstract

This study describes the construction and validation of a German version of the Positive and Negative Expectancies Scale, PANEQ-G, which is based on the original English version of the PANEQ. The German version showed the same factor structure as the original, comprising the three subscales of Negative Affectivity/Pessimism, Positive Affectivity/Optimism, and Fighting Spirit. The reliability data for the new scale were acceptable, and the factor structure was confirmed by means of a confirmatory factor analysis in an independent sample. As expected, concurrent validation uncovered substantial correlations of the three established scales. Negative Affectivity/Pessimism was related to Neuroticism and Positive Affectivity/Optimism was related to Extraversion. Fighting Spirit, the third scale, was related to Self-Efficacy and Conscientiousness. The PANEQ-G provides a reliable and valid instrument that can be used in conjunction with the original PANEQ for cross-cultural studies on Optimism and Pessimism. It also offers a new third component, Fighting Spirit, which can enrich research in this area.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Friedrich-Schiller-University, USA

    Peter F. Titzmann

  2. University of York, USA

    Derek Roger

  3. University of Iceland, USA

    Daniel Thor Olason

  4. University of Sheffield, USA

    Veronica Greco

Authors
  1. Peter F. Titzmann
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  2. Derek Roger
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  3. Daniel Thor Olason
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  4. Veronica Greco
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Correspondence to Peter F. Titzmann.

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Titzmann, P.F., Roger, D., Olason, D.T. et al. A new approach to assessing optimism: the development of a german version of the positive and negative expectancies questionnaire (paneq-g). Curr Psychol 23, 97–110 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02903071

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