Optimistic about Optimism as a Predictor of Climate Change Attitudes/Behaviors

• In Event: Climate Change Technology, Public Opinion, and Misinformation

Abstract

We introduce the concepts of optimism and pessimism, as measured by the Life Orientation Test-Revised, initially developed by Scheier and Carver (1985) and revised by Scheier et al. (1994). In accordance with the theory, we hypothesize that with regard to climate change, “optimists tend to use more-focused coping strategies than do pessimists.” Moreover, we also hypothesize that optimists are more likely to use “acceptance, humor, and positive reframing” while pessimists cope through denial and disengagement. Using data from a 2024 national public opinion survey of American adults (18+), we find promising results about the role of optimism and pessimism as related to climate attitudes and behaviors.

Authors

• Juliet Carlisle, University of Utah

• April K. Clark, Northern Illinois University

• Jessica T. Feezell, University of New Mexico

• Eric R. A. N. Smith, University of California, Santa Barbara