Measuring dispositional optimism in student Veterans: An item response theory analysis. Issue 6 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Umucu, Emre; Brooks, Jessica M.; Lee, Beatrice; Iwanaga, Kanako; Wu, Jia-Rung; Chen, Ada; Chan, Fong
• Is Part Of: Military psychology. Volume 30:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 590
• Page End: 597
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: Optimism -- student veterans -- item response theory -- classical test theory -- psychometrics; Psychology, Military -- Periodicals; United States -- Armed Forces -- Periodicals; 355.0019
• DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2018.1522161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-5605

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : The psychometric properties of the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) have been established among college students, yet psychometric evidence is lacking for a sample of student Veterans in postsecondary education. Aims : The purpose of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the LOT-R for the assessment of dispositional optimism in student Veterans by using classical test theory (CTT) in conjunction with item response theory (IRT). Method : A sample of 205 student Veterans were recruited from universities across the United States. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to test the unidimensionality of the LOT-R. A polychotomous IRT model using graded response model (GRM) was estimated. Reliability and concurrent validity of the LOT-R were tested. Results : CTT in conjunction with IRT validated that the LOT-R is a psychometrically sound unidimensional instrument for assessing the levels of dispositional optimism in student Veterans. The LOT-R was found to be associated with hope, resilience, PERMA, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety in the theoretically expected directions. The internal consistency reliability coefficient was computed to be .86. Conclusions : Given its reliability and validity and applicability among this specific population, clinicians, educators, and researchers might use the LOT-R to assess and monitor dispositional optimism among student Veterans.