Being optimismtic may not always be advantageous: The relationship between dispositional optimism, coping, and performance
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
1-1-2005
Abstract
The effects of dispositional optimism on performance and self-reports of coping strategy were examined in a low and a high signal salience vigilance task performed in quiet or during exposure to jet-aircraft engine noise. The results of this study partially support Scheier and Carver's (1985; 1987) habitual coping styles theory, in which people varying in optimism differ in their general coping strategies. Optimism in most cases correlated positively with task-focused coping and negatively with off-task approaches. When the task setting elicited a coping style contrary to dispositional preference, however, performance was actually impaired. In the low-salience, quiet condition of this experiment optimism correlated negatively with performance; this condition also elicited elevated levels of maladaptive, off-task coping. Being highly optimistic may not always be an advantage in performance settings.
Publication Title
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Recommended Citation
Helton, W.,
Matthews, G.,
Warm, J.,
&
Dember, W.
(2005).
Being optimismtic may not always be advantageous: The relationship between dispositional optimism, coping, and performance.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 1224-1228.
http://doi.org/10.1177/154193120504901302
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/12942