Hope, but Not Optimism, Predicts Academic Performance of Law Students Beyond Previous Academic Achievement

Posted: 18 Jan 2012

See all articles by Allison Martin

Allison Martin

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Kevin Rand

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) - Department of Psychology

Amanda M. Shea

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: December 1, 2011

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined the relative associations of initial levels of hope and optimism with subsequent academic performance and life satisfaction among first-year law students (N=86). Path analysis showed that hope, but not optimism, predicted better academic performance, while controlling for Law School Admission Test scores and undergraduate grades. Both hope and optimism uniquely predicted greater life satisfaction at the end of the first semester.

Keywords: hope, optimism, academic performance, life satisfaction, law students

Suggested Citation

Martin, Allison and Rand, Kevin and Shea, Amanda M., Hope, but Not Optimism, Predicts Academic Performance of Law Students Beyond Previous Academic Achievement (December 1, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1987040

Allison Martin (Contact Author)

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law ( email )

530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
United States

Kevin Rand

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) - Department of Psychology ( email )

402 N Blackford
LD 124
Indianapolis, IN 46202
United States

Amanda M. Shea

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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