The relationship between Hong Kong adolescents' beliefs about adversity and their adjustment was studied using a scale measuring positive and negative Chinese cultural beliefs about adversity (N= 1519). Results showed that adolescents with stronger endorsement of positive Chinese beliefs (or weaker endorsement of negative Chinese beliefs) about adversity generally had better psychological well-being and school adjustment and less problem behaviour. Although adolescents' degree of agreement with Chinese cultural beliefs about adversity was generally associated with adolescent adjustment, this relationship was stronger in adolescents with economic disadvantage than in adolescents without economic disadvantage.