ABSTRACT
Negativity can be demonstrated in various ways, including perceptions of others and their intentions, being overly self-critical, having difficulty accepting positive feedback and focusing on what is not going well. As adolescents struggle with putting aside the comforting things of childhood in favour of a less certain adult identity, negativity and low self-worth is not uncommon. Teenagers often express this as boredom in the classroom. A lack of optimism can, however, lead to seeing the world as against you and/or meaningless, or too difficult to manage, and this can lead to mental health difficulties.
