Predictors of future expectations of inner-city children: A 9-month prospective study

Assessed in the present study were the contributions of variables thought t o be related to positive expectations for the future in a sample of inner-c ity sixth-grade through eighth-grade students. Students completed self-repo rt measures in September and June. At each time point, higher levels of pos itive expectations for the future were related to lower levels of problem b ehaviors and peer negative influences and to higher levels of school involv ement, internal resources, and social support. In prospective analyses, hig her levels of Time 1 problem behaviors and peer negative influences predict ed decreases over 9 months in positive expectations for the future; higher levels of family support and problem-solving efficacy predicted increases o ver 9 months in positive expectations for the future. These findings have i mplications for further prospective research as well as for designing resil ience-promoting prevention programs for at-risk youth.