HOPE AND THRIVING IN ADOLESCENCE AND YOUNG ADULTHOOD: A RELATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK.
Callina, Kristina.
2017-04-24T15:09:16.988Z
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Abstract: Relational developmental systems theories emphasize that developmental paths across life are shaped by characteristics of the individual (e.g., aspirations, values, cognitive and behavioral skills, etc.), by the specific features of his or her family, school, peer group, and community, as well as by the vicissitudes of the historical era within which he or she is embedded. Over the past ... read moretwo decades, researchers have found robust associations between hope and various aspects of youth thriving, for example, academic success, psychosocial well-being, athletic achievement, and the Five Cs of positive youth development (PYD), Competence, Confidence, Character, Connection, and Caring. Although variables in different levels of the ecology of youth may serve as barriers or assets to positive developmental trajectories, hope may be a necessary ingredient for the individual to actively shape his or her developmental path, within and across periods of the life span. A model of the development of hope predicated on relational developmental systems theory may advance understanding of the role of this construct in life-span development by accounting for the mutually beneficial role of hope in person-context relations. Accordingly, the present research sought to extend prior scholarship by investigating whether hope might lead to manifestations of successful person-context relations, such as helping behaviors and contribution in one's community. Because no single data set exists to allow a test of the full theoretical model of the these relations, I used data from the Young Entrepreneurs Study, the Assessment of Character in the Trades project, and the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development to assess the role of hope in contribution. Findings indicated that the role of hope in positive developmental pathways marked by contribution is more complex than originally thought. For example, although hope was positively associated with prosocial attitudes regarding contribution, it was also positively associated with Machiavellian attitudes related to social manipulation and deceit. Hope was positively associated with helping behaviors, but only indirectly via generalized social trust. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for a more nuanced understanding of the role of hope in the lives of adolescents and young adults. In particular, findings from this set of studies emphasize the need to incorporate a prosocial, relational dimension of hope, such as trust, connection, or Great Love-Compassion, in research and applications that seek to link hope to contribution, especially for youth.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 2013.
Submitted to the Dept. of Child Development.
Advisors: Richard Lerner, and Tama Leventhal.
Committee: Shane Lopez, and Jean Rhodes.
Keyword: Developmental psychology.read less - ID:
- st74d308m
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