Abstract
Optimism is recognized for playing a fundamental role in human experience, contributing to higher levels of well-being, greater goal achievement, and better health conditions. Although questions about future expectations are often directed at children, studies on this topic with this population are scarce in the literature. Thus, the present study seeks to evaluate the role of personality in understanding children's optimistic view of the future. A total of 406 children participated, with an average age of 10 years (8 to 12 years; SD = 1.10), most of them female (56.3%) and attending public schools (34.2%). They responded to the Children's Future Perspective Scale, the Five-Factor Questionnaire for Children, and sociodemographic questions. The results indicate a positive and significant correlation between optimism regarding the future and agreeableness (r = 0.30), conscientiousness (r = 0.35), extraversion (r = 0.17), and openness to change (r = 0.28). However, only conscientiousness (β = 0.27) and agreeableness (β = 0.28) predict children's optimistic view [R² = 0.15]. It is concluded that understanding children's personality traits offers insights into their views of the future, which favor interventions aimed at promoting healthier growth.
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