Quest for African Renaissance: A Study on Coping Styles, Optimism, Social Participation, Self-Regulation and Resilience among African Youths

The level of maladjustment among African youths with unhealthy measures to cope with life challenges is becoming a global concern. This study therefore examines the relationship between Resilience, Social participation, Self-Regulation, Optimism and Coping styles among youth of three African countries (Togo, Benin Republic and Nigeria). The study adopted a descriptive research design of survey type. A total of three hundred and ninety-one youths whose age range is between 11 and 22 years were randomly selected from 3650 youths who participated in the annual youth conference held at Iwo, Osun State of Nigeria. The respondents of the study include 274 females and 117 males totaling 391. Items for questionnaires were adopted from four standardized instruments. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS 25 for regression and multiple regression analysis. Hypotheses one to four were analyzed using regression analysis while hypothesis five was analyzed using multiple regression analyses. The result obtained from the study indicated that the resilience ability of the youth has positive relationship with their participation in social activities, self-regulation capabilities, optimistic and coping styles. Consequently, the study concluded that seminars on resilience, self-regulation and coping skills should be organized for youths by the government and passionate private organisations. Again, school workplaces and communities should create programmes that will ease some of the challenges associated with youthful stage of life.