Examine the Relationship between Hope and Resilience among Secondary School Students

Abstract

Adolescents face unprecedented challenges in sustaining hope for the future, making it a critical focus of educational and psychological inquiry. Hope is not only a psychological strength but also a moral virtue that represents a positive orientation toward goals, aspirations, and future possibilities. In parallel, resilience refers to the ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from stressful experiences, crises, or adversity. For secondary school students, resilience functions as a protective factor that supports adaptive development, enhances coping strategies, and fosters growth when confronting challenges. Hope and resilience jointly function as fundamental psychological resources that equip adolescents with the skills and attitudes needed to thrive in uncertain and demanding contexts. The present study explored the relationship between hope and resilience among secondary school students in Taiwan. A total of 802 students participated, and data were gathered using validated scales designed to measure both constructs. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between hope and resilience, suggesting that adolescents who possess higher levels of hope are more capable of adapting to adversity. Moreover, hope was identified as a strong predictor of resilience. Within the dimensions of hope, positive emotions and optimism emerged as the strongest predictors, while empathy and interpersonal interaction also contributed meaningfully to resilience outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of fostering hope and resilience in school settings. The study concludes with practical implications for educators and policymakers, emphasizing strategies such as optimism training, emotional development, and peer support.