Trajectories of unrealistic optimism in grade expectation: A latent growth mixture model

• DOI: 10.1007/s11218-023-09857-0
• Publication Date: 2023-12-01T12:02:51Z
• Authors: J. Hannah Lee; Junsang Park; Hyun-Ju Ju; Kyoungmin Cho; Seoyoung Lim
• Keywords: Sociology of Education

Abstract This study examined the heterogeneity in temporal shifts of unrealistic optimism (UO) by analyzing students’ grade expectation throughout a semester. UO was defined as gap between estimated and current course grades, with larger indicating higher UO. Final grades were viewed outcome A total 206 participants completed baseline measures personal factors during first week semester repeated measurements at five subsequent time points. Using person-centered trajectory analysis (e.g., latent growth mixture models), we identified three distinct trajectories: UO-Persistent (6.8%; consistently high UO), UO-Decreasing (26.2%; diminishing Realistic (67.0%; low UO). High perfectionistic standards dysphoria predicted group membership, while discrepancy, self-efficacy, belief optimism's power did not. The achieved final than group. Unexpectedly, no difference found strongest (i.e., UO-Persistent) other two groups. These findings suggest that UO's shift is not unitary construct, patterns may be associated different academic outcomes. underscores significance comprehending employing related to achievement. discussion addresses both research practical implications.