Is optimism universal? A meta-analytical investigation of optimism levels across 22 nations

A meta-analysis of dispositional optimism levels as measured by the life orientation test (LOT, Scheier & Carver, 1985 ) across 22 countries (k = 213; N = 89,138) is reported. Using mixed effect modeling, overall culture differences were small. Greater individualism ( Hofstede, 1980 ) was associated with greater optimism. Greater egalitarianism (versus hierarchy, Schwartz, 1994 ) was consistently associated with higher optimism. Claims of fundamental cultural differences were not supported. Implications for cross-cultural research and applications are discussed.