Is Higher Education in My Future? At-Risk and Normative Adolescents’ Perceptions of Academic Studies

Variance in perception of future (PF) of higher education was examined among 331 adolescents:147 were considered at-risk and 184 were considered normative. Personal characteristics, personal resources, and social resources were examined regarding their contribution to PF. In both groups, personal and social resources promoted positive PF, and social support importance of higher education was stronger among normative adolescents. Self-enhancement and transcendence of self are important resilience factors for at-risk adolescents; openness to change is a risk factor for developing positive PF of higher education. Gender is a contributor only among at-risk adolescents. Findings can lead to interventions to help at-risk adolescents shape their plans toward a successful future.