title: An empirical evaluation of two theoretically-based hypotheses on the directional association between self-worth and hope.
abstract: Fostering self-worth and hope are important goals of positive youth development (PYD) efforts, yet intervention design is complicated by contrasting theoretical hypotheses regarding the directional association between these constructs. Therefore, within a longitudinal design we tested: (1) that self-worth predicts changes in hope (self theory; Harter, 1999), and (2) that hope predicts changes in self-worth (hope theory; Snyder, 2002) over time. Youth (N = 321; Mage = 10.33 years) in a physical activity-based PYD program completed surveys 37-45 days prior to and on the second day and third-to-last day of the program. A latent variable panel model that included autoregressive and cross-lagged paths indicated that self-worth was a significant predictor of change in hope, but hope did not predict change in self-worth. Therefore, the directional association between self-worth and hope is better explained by self-theory and PYD programs should aim to enhance perceptions of self-worth to build perceptions of hope.
authors.affiliation: Purdue University, 800 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
authors.forename: Lindley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McDavid
authors.affiliation: Purdue University, 800 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. Electronic address: mcdonough@purdue.edu.
authors.forename: Meghan H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: McDonough
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University, 308 West Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
authors.forename: Alan L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D041923:Adolescent Development; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D065026:Hope; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: Hope theory; Positive youth development; Self theory