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Changes in and Generalization of Unrealistic Optimism Following Experiences with Stressful Events: Reactions to the 1989 California Earthquake

Santa Clara University

Michele L Palmer

Santa Clara University

University students who experienced the 1989 California earthquake were asked a few days afterward to estimate the likelihood that they, the typical student at the school, and the average person their age would someday experience each of several negative life events, including being hurt in a natural disaster such as an earthquake. These responses were compared with those of a quasi-experimental control group of students 3 months later Unrealistic optimism about being hurt in a natural disaster, as indicated by the difference between the subjects' perceived vulnerability for themselves and for others, was not apparent immediately after the earthquake. However; unrealistic optimism for this item was found 3 months later Further analysis suggests that the loss of optimism after the earthquake was limited to natural disasters and did not alter perceived vulnerability to other negative events.

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