An examination of optimism, pessimism and hopelessness as predictors of suicidal ideation in college students: A test of a moderator model

Historically, the focus of psychological research has been on psychopathology, rather than on adaptive strengths. This study clarifies the taxonomical and conceptual differences between optimism, pessimism, and hopelessness, which are often used arbitrarily in psychological literature. A case is made for the inclusion of positively valenced variables in suicide risk assessment and prevention efforts. Two hundred eighty-four college students completed the Beck Depression Inventory---Second Edition (BDI-II), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS), Expanded Attributional Style Questionnaire (EASQ), Life Orientation Test---Revised (LOT-R), and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). All variables were correlated in expected directions. Factor analyses suggest that the LOT-R and EASQ-R assess independent constructs, and that each measure is one-dimensional in nature, contributing to the debate about the construct validity of the LOT-R. A moderator model of suicide ideation was also proposed and supported. Controlling for depression and social desirability, positive scores on measures of dispositional optimism/pessimism and optimistic/pessimistic explanatory style weakened the relationship between hopelessness and suicide ideation. This suggests that these forms of optimism may be a protective factor against thoughts of suicide. Current results help to conceptualize and operationalize the constructs of optimism, pessimism and hopelessness. Implications for researchers and clinicians include improved predictability and prevention of suicide ideation.