REVISED VERSION OF OPTIMISTIC ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE QUESTIONNAIRE

Attributional style refers to the characteristic way individuals use to explain the causes of various life events. Most studies explored the associations of optimistic vs pessimistic attributional style with depression and psychological well-being, as well as its role in the processes of self-regulation and achievement. The original version of the Success and Failure Attributional Style Questionnaire (SFASQ) by T. Gordeeva, E. Osin, and V. Shevyakhova with 24 situations and three parameters of attributional style appears too long and labour intensive for many research and practical situations. The present study aimed to develop a briefer measure with only two parameters, stability and globality which appear to be the most reliable indicators of attributional style. The paper presents the results of validation of SFASQ-10 with 5 positive and 5 negative situations (N = 990). Confirmatory factor analysis has supported the theoretically expected four-factor structure of the measure with two second-order factors corresponding to attributional style for positive and for negative situations (chi(2) = 243.83; df = 155; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.981; NNFI = 0.977; RMSEA = 0.024). The resulting scales show good reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.80). Convergent validity evidence is provided by correlations of optimistic attributional style with dispositional optimism and psychological well-being (r in the 0.31-0.40 range), hardiness, self-regulation, goal focus and persistence, as well as planning (r in the 0.29-0.46 range). The data allowed to generate statistical norms for SFASQ-10, accounting for gender differences in attributional style.