Document 0361
 DOCN  M9490361
 TI    Effect of dispositional optimism on comparative risk perceptions for
       developing AIDS.
 DT    9411
 AU    Fontaine KR; Department of Psychology, University of Central
       Lancashire,; Preston, UK.
 SO    Psychol Rep. 1994 Jun;74(3 Pt 1):843-6. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94336801
 AB    The present study investigated the effects of individual differences
       along the dimension of dispositional optimism-pessimism on comparative
       risk perception in relation to the prospect of developing AIDS. 104
       university students completed the Life Orientation Test of Scheier and
       Carver and estimated the likelihood of AIDS happening to themselves and
       the average university student. A split at the median on the Life
       Orientation Test divided subjects into optimists and pessimists.
       Dispositional optimists and pessimists rated their own likelihood of
       developing AIDS as less than that of the average student. Moreover,
       subjects classified as optimistic and pessismistic did not differ
       significantly in their ratings of comparative risk perception.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY  Adolescence  Adult
       *Attitude to Health  *Defense Mechanisms  Female  *Health Behavior
       Human  *Life Style  Male  Personality Inventory  Risk Factors  JOURNAL
       ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).