Gratitude, optimism and subjective wellbeing amongst secondary school-going adolescents in Mukono District

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between gratitude, optimism, and subjective well-being among adolescents in a school setting. A well-designed multi-stage sampling strategy was employed to select participants. By using a combination of simple random sampling for students and purposive sampling for constituency levels, the study ensured a representative and diverse sample of adolescents from different schools and regions within Mukono District. This sample of 341 adolescents aged between 13 and 24 years were administered a closed-ended questionnaire that included measures of gratitude, optimism, and subjective well-being. The data were analysed using linear and multiple regression models, and the results showed that there was a positive relationship between, gratitude and subjective well-being, gratitude and optimism, optimism and subjective well-being. Additionally, optimism was further found to mediate the relationship between gratitude and subjective wellbeing. The findings of this study provide support for the importance of interventions aimed at increasing gratitude and optimism in promoting subjective well-being among adolescents in a school setting. The results of this study have implications for school counsellors, educators, and mental health professionals in their efforts to promote positive mental health among adolescents. Overall, this study adds to the existing literature on the importance of gratitude and optimism in promoting well-being during the critical developmental period of adolescence.