That optimists should be happier, more satisfied, or more successful than pessimists is a fallacy, as we learn in this series of 16 essays on diverse aspects of believing the glass is half-empty or half-full. The volume divides the material according to conceptualization, psychological factors, sociocultural factors, modification of optimism and pessimism in children and adults, and future research, with many of the papers devoted to surveys of recent research. Individual papers discuss treating and preventing depression in at-risk children, studies of optimism and pessimism between different cultural groups, and the potential advantage of pessimism in harnessing motivation. Chang teaches clinical psychology at the U. of Michigan; the 32 contributors are psychologists at American academic institutions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)