NEGLECT, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND HOPELESSNESS IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between neglect, social support, and hopelessness among young adults in Pakistan, using a cross-sectional design with a sample of 242 university students. Neglect encompassing physical, emotional, educational, and supervisory dimensions was assessed alongside perceived social support and hopelessness using validated psychometric scales. The findings revealed that neglect, particularly physical neglect, was a significant predictor of hopelessness, with higher levels of neglect associated with increased hopelessness. Social support, especially from family, demonstrated a strong inverse relationship with both neglect and hopelessness, serving as a protective factor. However, mediation analysis indicated that social support did not significantly mediate the relationship between neglect and hopelessness, suggesting that the impact of neglect on hopelessness persists even in the presence of supportive networks. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions focusing on reducing neglect, strengthening family support systems, and addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and broader sampling to further elucidate the causal pathways between neglect, social support, and hopelessness in diverse youth populations.