Abstract

The review presented examines the construct of optimism that in past years has seen an expansion of theoretical hypoteses and empirical studies to evaluate implications both on the personality organization level and in applicative framework. In this prospective our paper examines the theoretical approach on optimism and focuses on the contributions given by Carver and Scheier, Seligman, Weinstein and Taylor. It is a matter of not usual comparable theoretical approach where one can graps the differences of level and elaboration by which the construct has been developed. Then, it deals with the dimentions of optimism in order to distinguish it and to see the possibile compatibility with others "dimentions" of the personality (pessimism, neuroticism, extravertion) and with psychological resources (self-efficacy, self-esteem, coping, perceived control). At last the applicative framework is researched considering areas where there have been important findings.