Taking Stock of Unrealistic Optimism
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23323767 |
|---|---|
| Authors | James A Shepperd (0000-0002-5329-6760, University of Florida), William M P Klein (0000-0002-8847-8193, National Cancer Institute), E A Waters (0000-0001-7402-0133), Neil D Weinstein (Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey) |
| Year | 2013 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 395-411 |
| Publication date | 2013-07-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Perspectives on Psychological Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1745-6916 • E-ISSN: 1745-6924 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/1745691613485247 |
| PMID | 26045714 |
| PMCID | PMC4451212 |
| OpenAlex | W1972084227 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 92 |
| References cited | 96 |
Researchers have used terms such as unrealistic optimism and optimistic bias to refer to concepts that are similar but not synonymous. Drawing from 3 decades of research, we discuss critically how researchers define unrealistic optimism, and we identify four types that reflect different measurement approaches: unrealistic absolute optimism at the individual and group levels and unrealistic comparative optimism at the individual and group levels. In addition, we discuss methodological criticisms leveled against research on unrealistic optimism and note that the criticisms are primarily relevant to only one type: the group form of unrealistic comparative optimism. We further clarify how the criticisms are not nearly as problematic as they might seem, even for unrealistic comparative optimism. Finally, we note boundary conditions on the different types of unrealistic optimism and reflect on five broad questions that deserve further attention.
Economics · Epistemology · Optimism · Optimism bias · Positive economics · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology
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Wishful thinking in mass–elite electoral expectations
Comparative optimism about healthy eating
Does misperception of fruit and vegetable intake adequacy affect progression through the stages of behavior change after nutritional intervention
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Concurrently examining unrealistic absolute and comparative optimism
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Correct and incorrect interpretations of correlations between risk perceptions and risk behaviors
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Unrealistic optimism among adolescent smokers and nonsmokers
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The typical student as an in-group member
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Self–other judgments and perceived vulnerability to victimization
Objective standards are not enough
Optimism, coping, psychological distress, and high-risk sexual behavior among men at risk for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Aids)
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Protection motivation and self-efficacy
Perceived Event Frequency and the Optimistic Bias
The rational side of egocentrism in social comparisons
Egocentrism and focalism in unrealistic optimism (and pessimism)
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Optimism, Pessimism, and the Direction of Self–Other Comparisons
Cultural variation in unrealistic optimism
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"Feeling "holier than thou
No one in my group can be below the group's average
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The Influence of Egocentrism and Focalism on People's Optimism in Competitions
Lake Wobegon be gone! The "below-average effect" and the egocentric nature of comparative ability judgments
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Biases in Social Comparative Judgments
| Unique citing works | 92 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 7,67 |
| Citation span | 2014 - 2026 (13) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 85 |