Association between Optimism and Perceived Stress among Working Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Srusti Prakash

Abstract: Background: Occupational demands and work-life responsibilities frequently contribute to psychological stress among working adults. Individual psychological characteristics, such as optimism, may influence subjective appraisals of stress. Objective: This study examined the relationship between dispositional optimism and perceived stress among working adults aged 21-60 years and evaluated whether optimism statistically predicts perceived stress levels. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was conducted with N = 102 working adults recruited via convenience sampling. Participants completed demographic items, a 12-item optimism scale, and a 12-item perceived stress scale. Data were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's product-moment correlation, and simple linear regression. Results: The optimism measure demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .804; M = 44.90, SD = 6.79), and the perceived stress measure demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .923; M = 22.00, SD = 9.52). Pearson's correlation revealed a statistically significant negative association between optimism and perceived stress, r(100) = -.229, p = .021. Simple linear regression indicated that optimism significantly predicted perceived stress, β = -.229, p = .021, F(1, 100) = 5.542, accounting for 5.3% of the variance (R² = .053). Conclusion: Higher optimism is associated with lower perceived stress in working adults. However, because optimism accounts for a modest proportion of variance, it represents one of several protective psychological correlates rather than a sole determinant. Workplace well-being initiatives should integrate individual resilience-building with organizational structural changes.

Keywords: Optimism, Perceived Stress, Working Adults, Occupational Well-being, Positive Psychology, Coping

How to Cite?: Srusti Prakash, "Association between Optimism and Perceived Stress among Working Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 743-745, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26911165509, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26911165509

Download Citation: APA | MLA | BibTeX | EndNote | RefMan