Happiness and Personality Traits as Predictors of Optimism in School and College Teachers

The present research was aimed at investigating the predictive role of personality traits and happiness in forecasting optimism of teachers working in public and private schools and colleges. The participants of this study included 154 teachers (male = 80; female = 74) with age range of 26-50 years. Data were collected by using Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (Argyle & Hills, 2002), Life Orientation Test-Revised (Scheier, Carver & Bridges, 1994), and International Personality Item Pool (Goldberg, 2006). Cronbach alpha of these scales on current sample was found good. Results revealed that happiness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, agreeableness, and openness were significant positive correlates of optimism. Moreover, optimism was predicted by happiness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability. Furthermore, teachers working in public schools and colleges had higher level of optimism as compared to teachers of private institutions. Furthermore, there were nonsignificant gender differences on optimism. Findings of present study has important implications for school and college teachers, administrators, and principals of educational institutions.