Research evidence identifies trait optimism as the strongest individual predictor
of adolescent resilience when framed within Lazarus's theory of stress and coping.
As a precursor to the development of an intervention to maximize resilience, this
study clarifies the concept of optimism. Relationships among trait, situational, and
comparative optimism were explored. The sample (N = 132) consisted of rural adolescents between 14 and 18 years old who were attending
public school. The results demonstrate weak correlations, suggesting that adolescents'
perceptions of situations may be amenable to an intervention to maximize resilience
but that adolescents also do not expect to experience health or environmental problems.
Implications for developing an intervention are discussed.
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© 2006 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
