The study examined the influence of gratitude, optimism, age, and birth order on personal growth initiative (PGI) among adolescents. The objectives were to determine whether age moderates the relationship between gratitude and PGI, whether optimism mediates the effect of gratitude on PGI, and whether birth order significantly influences PGI. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed, with a sample of 150 adolescents aged 10 to 17 years drawn from diverse backgrounds.

Standardized instruments were used to measure gratitude, optimism, and PGI. Data were analysed using regression, mediation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques. The findings revealed that gratitude significantly predicted PGI across both younger (10–13 years)

and older (14–17 years) adolescents, with the relationship being stronger among older participants. Regression analyses indicated that gratitude accounted for 11% of the variance in PGI for younger adolescents and 52% for older adolescents. Although gratitude relates positively to optimism and personal growth, optimism does not explain this link; instead, gratitude directly drives individuals' motivation and deliberate efforts toward selfimprovement.

Furthermore, ANOVA results demonstrated significant birth order differences, with firstborns reporting higher PGI scores compared to middle-born and last-born adolescents. The study concludes that gratitude is a significant predictor of psychological growth, particularly in older adolescents, and that birth order plays a meaningful role in shaping PGI. These findings contribute to knowledge by clarifying the role of gratitude and birth order in fostering personal growth. It is recommended that interventions aiming to strengthen PGI should emphasize gratitude cultivation, particularly among younger adolescents.