Positive perception: A three dimensional model and a scale

Traits and perceptions that predict psychological and physical well-being have been the focus of great interest in Positive Psychology. The paper focused on positive perception (PP) as a case in point. A three dimensional model of PP is proposed. PP represents a general tendency to evaluate positively one’s abilities, one’s past, and human nature. The construction of an 8-item self-report measure of PP, the Positive Perception Scale (PPS), is detailed. Three samples of university students and a national sample of working couples (total N = 796) helped demonstrate various psychometric aspects of the PPS. The studies confirmed the three dimensional model of PP, demonstrated it as both a trait and a state and the PPS as a valid and reliable scale, for both researchers and practitioners.

► A new three dimensional model of positive perception is proposed.
► PP is evaluating positively one’s abilities, the past and human nature.
► The construction of PPS, an 8-item, valid, reliable self-report measure is detailed.
► Three samples (total N = 796) demonstrated various psychometric aspects of the PPS.
► The studies demonstrated positive perception as both a trait and a state.