Abstract

This mixed-methods study used a participatory action approach to develop and test a culturally grounded measure of hope among adolescents. Nineteen adult community leaders participated in interviews and a youth advisory board provided their perspectives on hope in the southeastern U.S. This information was used to develop the Adolescent Hope Scale. Psychometric testing was conducted using data from an online panel of 311 youth participants (66.2% male; Mage = 12.62; 62.1% White American, 32.8% Black or African American) and their parents or legal guardians in the U.S. The newly developed Adolescent Hope Scale functioned equally well across gender and ethnicity. It was uniquely predictive of physical and relational aggression, conduct problems, and prosocial behavior. Promoting hope is a potential intervention target to reduce problem behaviors.