A scientific exploration of positive psychology in adolescence: The role of hope as a buffer against the influences of psychosocial negativities

Abstract

Interactions between classroom climate, dispositional optimism, and hope were examined in the prediction of emotional well-being in early adolescent students. The present study consisted of 98 students (32 male, 65 female, 1 unknown) in grades six, seven, and eight with a mean age of 12.51 years (SD = .95). Participants completed questionnaires regarding their classroom environment, future expectations, hopeful thinking, depression, and life satisfaction. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed numerous interactions between classroom climate/dispositional optimism and hope in the prediction of depression and life satisfaction. Implications of these interactions are discussed in terms of hope as a psychological strength and its role in promoting emotional well-being in early adolescent students. © 2010 A B Academic Publishers Printed in Great Britain.