Adaptation and Validation of Life Orientation Test: Revised as a Measure for Dispositional Optimism in a Mexican Sample of University Teachers

This study focused on adapting and evaluating the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) for measuring dispositional optimism in university teachers in Mexico. The primary objective was to modify the LOT-R scale to a frequency response system and assess its psychometric properties in university teachers (232 participants). The findings revealed that the adapted frequency response system of the LOT-R has evidence of construct validity determined by Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis ( X 2 = 1.34, p = .931; X 2 / df = 0.27, GFI = 0.99, AGFI = 0.99, RMR = 0.01, SRMR = 0.03, NFI = 0.99, RFI = 0.99), criterion validity by concurrent analysis with Satisfaction with Life scale ( r = .41, p < .001, Fisher’s z = 0.44, 95% CI [0.32, 0.99]), convergent validity determined with Average Variance Extracted (AVE = 0.64), and reliability calculated by internal consistency (α = .88, ω = 0.89, GLB = 0.91). The study also highlighted the variability in the factorial structure of the LOT-R across different studies, contributing to the one-dimensional structure adaptations of the scale. The frequency response system demonstrated a better fit, and accuracy than the agreement system used in the LOT-R. The frequency system emphasizes direct measures of optimism toward a more realistic representation of lived experiences. Adapting the LOT-R using frequency response items in Mexican teachers significantly contributed to measuring optimism to promote a healthy higher education environment.