The Subjective Overachievement Scale (SOS): Concern with Performance is a 9-item measure designed to identify subjective overachievers, or individuals who are concerned about having successful performances yet are doubtful about possessing the underlying talent or ability to achieve success. This measure was developed along with the Subjective Overachievement Scale (SOS): Self-Doubt, found here.
Geographies Tested: United States of America
Populations Included: Female, Male
Age Range:
1. It is important that I succeed in all that I do.
2. Failure has its advantages. *
3. Failure is unacceptable to me.
4. I think that in some situations it is important that I not succeed. *
5. Sometimes I am more comfortable when I lose or do poorly. *
6. I try to avoid being too successful. *
7. For me, being successful is not necessarily the best thing. *
8. There are some situations where I think it is better that I fail. *
9. I strive to be successful at all times.
* Reverse-coded Items
Response Options:
Disagree very much - 1
Disagree pretty much - 2
Disagree a little - 3
Agree a little - 4
Agree pretty much - 5
Agree very much - 6
Mean and median scores are calculated.
Oleson, K. C., Poehlmann, K. M., Yost, J. H., Lynch, M. E., & Arkin, R. M. (2000). Subjective overachievement: Individual differences in self doubt and concern with performance. Journal of Personality, 68(3), 491-524.
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