A Longitudinal Study of the Stability of Hope in Late Adolescence

Research continually demonstrates the importance of trait hope on mental and physical health as well as academic achievement. Nonetheless, psychologists have failed to thoroughly examine aspects of hope theory, itself. The two factor structure of hope (agency and pathways) has been repeatedly supported, but little research has focused on the theorized stability of trait hope. To date, only 3, poorly conducted, empirical studies have measured the stability of trait hope for longer than a 3-month period; furthermore, study conclusions have been mixed (Langelle, 1989; Mashunkashey-Shadlow, 2009; Valle et al., 2006). In order to address this dearth of research, a 2-year longitudinal, non-experimental, panel study was used to measure the stability of trait hope among late adolescents. The convenience sample (N=147) consisted of 11th and 12th grade students from 2 large high schools in central and north central Ohio. The Trait Hope Scale (Snyder et al., 1991) and State Hope Scale (Snyder et al., 1996) measured participants' levels of state and trait hope at 4 time periods, approximately 6 months apart. Grade point average, likelihood to dropout of school, and various demographic variables were also measured. Results indicate that both trait and state hope are unstable. Despite its instability, trait hope significantly predicted participants GPA's at each phase of measurement. Trait hope was also associated, although minimally, with likelihood to dropout of school. No differences were discovered between trait hope and demographic variables. This study provides preliminary information about the trajectory of hope in adolescence and adds to the refinement of hope theory. Implications for psychologists include developing and using interventions to increase hope. Further, facilitating hope in adolescents will increase academic achievement and reduce school dropout.