Hope, Psychosocial Well-Being and Socioeconomic Status Among a Group of South African Adolescents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore hope and psychosocial well-being among South African adolescents (N = 1169; males = 573, females = 596, mean age = 15.1) from different socioeconomic contexts. Data was collected by means of convenience sampling using questionnaires to measure hope and psychosocial well-being, and a biographical questionnaire to determine socio-economic status. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, ANOVAs, correlations and a moderated multiple regression. The findings indicate that adolescents across different population groups experienced relatively high levels of hope. Black adolescents experienced higher psychosocial well-being in comparison to White adolescents regardless of socio-economic status. Hope is an important psychological strength related to optimal mental health in youth.