Hopelessness in children and adolescents. An overview

Abstract

Most research on hopelessness has focused on adult populations. However, with the recent publication of Kazdin's Hopelessness Scale for Children, there has been increasing attention directed toward hopelessness in children. This report reviews research on hopelessness, and in both adults and children, emphasizes findings which support Beck's cognitive trial view of depression. Also discussed is the neglected topic of hopelessness within the academic setting, including attributions, motivation and delayed gratification. This report suggests ways to prevent and treat hopelessness in the school-aged child, focusing primarily on cognitive-behavioral techniques.