This thesis is concerned with an exploration of the impact of hope, future values and social comparison on the mental health and well-being in adolescents. Part One is a narrative literature review of studies that examine hope as a predictor of mental health and well-being in children ages 10-19 between 2006 and 2016. Part Two is a cross-sectional study which examines the predictive validity of hope, future values and social comparison on the mental health and well-being of school children aged 11-17. Part Three is a critical appraisal of the thesis, it reflexively considers the research, as well pays attention to various methodological and conceptual challenges of conducting research in both a young offender and normative school aged samples.