Optimism in adolescence: A cross-sectional study of the influence of family and peer group variables on junior high school students

► In this study we will compare predictors of optimism for boys and girls. ► Girls tend to be more optimistic, showing greater communication between peers and mothers. ► Optimism is related to good communication with parents and the absence of negative events. ► For the girls, optimism is related to the absence of conflicts with parents. ► For the boys, optimism is related to good relationships among peers. The role of optimism in health and well-being is widely researched, yet there is little known about the factors contributing to its development. This study analyzes the role that family and peer group factors play on a sample of 386 junior high school students. The results show that both variables are related to optimism, while their role differs according to gender. For the most part, boys showed that having everyday positive experiences with their peers at school is related to optimism, while the opposite holds true for pessimism. In relation to girls, family communication seems to be a considerable predictor of optimism whereas family conflicts tend to affect pessimism. In both cases, it is apparent that negative incidences with peers can be associated with pessimism while the absence of these events relates to optimism. We would like to highlight the importance of analyzing the relationships between optimism and other variables regarding gender differences. Even while explained variance percentages may be low, it is necessary to continue researching other variables related to optimism in adolescents.