Positive orientation: explorations on what is common to life satisfaction, self-esteem, and optimism.
OBJECTIVE
Literature documents that the judgments people hold about themselves, their life, and their future are important ingredients of their psychological functioning and well-being, and are commonly related to each other.


METHODS
We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) under the classical test theory, regression analysis, and a cross national design.


RESULTS
This study provides new findings attesting to the hypothesis that evaluations about oneself, one's life, and one's future rest on a common mode of viewing experiences which we named "Positive Orientation".


CONCLUSIONS
Results from an Italian and a Canadian study are presented, attesting to a latent dimension that lies at the core of positive evaluations and that corroborates the utility of the new construct as a critical component of individuals' well-functioning.
Caprara
Gian Vittorio
GV
University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy. gianvittorio.caprara@uniromal.it
Steca
Patrizia
P
Alessandri
Guido
G
Abela
John R
JR
McWhinnie
Chad M
CM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult