Self-Perceived Depressive Realism, Optimism Bias and Sense of Control of Working Individuals

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the relationship between self-perceived depressive realism, optimism bias, and sense of control of working individuals. A correlational study design was used to conduct the study. A sample of 300 working individuals, both men (N=170) and women (N=130), with an age range of 21 to 63 years were selected by using purposive convenient sampling. Patient Health Questionnaire (Kroenke et al, 2001), Life Orientation Test Revised (Scheier, 1994) and Sense of Control scale (Lachman & Weaver, 1998) was used to collect data from working individuals for this research. The results of Pearson product-moment correlation analysis showed self-perceived depressive realism was negatively significant with optimism bias of working individuals. Optimism bias was positively significant with sense of control of working individuals. Self-perceived depressive realism was negatively significant with perceived constraints subscale of sense of control of working individuals. The results of mediation analysis showed optimism bias acted as a significant mediator in the relationship between self-perceived depressive realism and sense of control of working individuals. Comparisons revealed that women employees had higher self-perceived depressive realism as compared with men. It was also found that working men had higher optimism bias and sense of control than working women. Moreover it was determined that unmarried working individuals had lower self-perceived depressive realism and lower sense of control than married working individuals, and married employees were observed as having higher optimism bias than unmarried employees. This study has implications for future research, the findings may contribute to the growing body of research literature in the field of psychology.