Abstract

In this preliminary study, the relationship between future orientation and relevant variables for a positive future orientation, such as self-evaluation in family and school context, self-esteem and self-efficacy, has been explored in a sample of typical and learning disabilities adolescents (LD). Students with LD showed statistically significant higher scores compared to healty controls in academic self-esteem and negative future orientation. In both groups, academic self-esteem was positively correlated with positive future orientation. In LD adolescents, self-efficacy was positively correlated with positive perception of the future. In healthy controls global self-esteem was associated with a negative future orientation. Though the current research was preliminary and limited to a small number of participants, findings highlighted the importance of examining future orientation in future work.