NCJ Number
193865
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 67-81
Editor(s)
Edwin R. Gerler Jr.
Date Published
2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This research article examined the degree to which negative behaviors exhibited in adolescents were influenced by various degrees of optimism.
Abstract
The research suggested that incongruence between how a child viewed themselves and the aspirations pursued could lead to maladaptive externalizing behaviors in the form of activities related to school violence. In exploring this, the study examined the degree to which negative behaviors displayed in adolescents were influenced by various degrees of optimism. In the study, the concept of school violence was referenced as activities related to school violence. Optimism measures and school violence measures were created from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988. Results of the study suggest behavioral consequences of high optimism in the presence of limited academic preparedness. When incongruence exists between adolescents’ optimism to reach a desired outcome and the academic preparation needed to support it, adolescents are more likely to engage in activities related to school violence. It is recommended that educators assess incongruence between student perceptions of academic preparedness and optimism and help students to merge desired outcomes with current academic behavior. Additional research was suggested to determine the reasons for high levels of optimism relative to low academic preparedness. References and tables