Psychological hardiness and optimism: A study among orphans and non-orphans

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the relationship between psychological hardiness and optimism among orphan and non-orphan adolescents and examines the significant differences among the orphan and non-orphan adolescents based on family setting and gender. The study was carried out, and responses were collected from 200 orphan and non-orphan population. Personal views survey III-R (PVS III-R) and Life Orientation Test-R (LOT-R) scales were used to gather the data. Correlation was employed to study the relationship between psychological hardiness and optimism. Independent sample t-test was used to assess differences within orphan and non-orphan adolescents in psychological hardiness and optimism. The result of the study showed a significant difference between orphan and non-orphan adolescents with regard to both psychological hardiness and optimism and also based on gender. The study’s findings indicated a positive correlation between the psychological hardiness and optimism among non-orphan adolescents. This is helpful in providing supportive environments including peer networks, mentorship, and counseling services, within orphanages on shaping coping mechanisms and future outlooks, with a focus on fostering resilience and optimism among children while addressing gender-specific challenges for psychological well-being.