Perceived Social Support and Psychological Well-Being among Teenagers:The Role of Gender and Optimism

The amount, type, and quality of social support available to teenage students go a long way in determining their well-being. Optimism may however influence the perception of effectiveness of these supportive agencies when coping with the stressors. The present study thus aimed at investigating the relationship between the teenagers' optimism, perceived support, and psychological well being, in the light of gender-differences. The sample comprised of 116 students (57 Boys and 59 girls) studying in grades 8th through 12th. Social support from friends was found to predict psychological well-being among boys (p = .353, p < .01), whereas in girls, social support from family predicted psychological well being (P = .457, p < .01). Optimism, though a valid predictor of psychological well-being, failed to emerge as a moderator of the relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being.