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Optimism Test

20 Questions
3 Minutes

Are you an optimist?

Every day is a sunny day for the optimist, who tends to believe that things will work out for the best—a quality that may make them more resilient and healthier than those who tend toward pessimism. Take this test to see how optimistic you are.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how often the statement applies to you.

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Strongly Agree
Agree
1. I’m confident I can overcome obstacles.
Disagree
Agree
2. I believe that most things in life work out well.
Disagree
Agree
3. I try to learn from setbacks however I can.
Disagree
Agree
4. I generally expect positive things from my life.
Disagree
Agree
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5. I try to look on the bright side.
Disagree
Agree
6. It’s difficult for me to bounce back from failure.
Disagree
Agree
7. I feel hopeful about my future.
Disagree
Agree
8. I know I will get through hard times with flying colors.
Disagree
Agree
9. I think it’s smarter to see the glass as half-empty.
Disagree
Agree
10. During a bad patch, I try to remember that life usually gets better.
Disagree
Agree
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11. I’m extra careful not to mess up because there are rarely do-overs in life.
Disagree
Agree
12. I try to stay focused on the positives of life, rather than the negatives.
Disagree
Agree
13. I believe that good luck can strike at any moment.
Disagree
Agree
14. I trust in my ability to handle life’s challenges.
Disagree
Agree
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15. I know I will achieve my goals.
Disagree
Agree
16. I think of failure as an opportunity for growth.
Disagree
Agree
17. I feel good about the direction my life is headed.
Disagree
Agree
18. I rarely feel a sense of dread when I wake up in the morning.
Disagree
Agree
19. Setbacks are normal and I rarely get worked up about them.
Disagree
Agree
20. I have a shining future.
Disagree
Agree

Who Is This Test For?

This test is for anyone who is curious about their outlook on life, or who is struggling to navigate their tendency toward pessimism. This test is designed for adults and is not intended to be diagnostic. 

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help

If you want to change your perspective or feel held back by an overly negative outlook, you may want to contact a mental health professional. You can find one near you in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

 

Sources

C. Peterson, et al. Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ)
C.S. Carver, M.F. Scheier. Dispositional Optimism. Trends in Cognitive Sciences
C.R. Snyder Adult Hope Scale (AHS)

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