Adolescent Thriving: The Role of Sparks,Relationships, and Empowerment |
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Authors: | Peter C Scales Peter L Benson Eugene C Roehlkepartain |
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Institution: | (1) Search Institute, c/o 940 Chestnut Ridge Road, Manchester, MO 63021, USA;(2) Search Institute, 615 1st Avenue NE, Suite 125, Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA |
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Abstract: | Although most social science research on adolescence emphasizes risks and challenges, an emergent field of study focuses on
adolescent thriving. The current study extends this line of inquiry by examining the additive power of identifying and nurturing
young people’s “sparks,” giving them “voice,” and providing the relationships and opportunities that reinforce and nourish
thriving. A national sample of 1,817 adolescents, all age 15 (49% female), and including 56% white, 17% Hispanic/Latino, and
17% African-American adolescents, completed an online survey that investigated their deep passions or interests (their “sparks”),
the opportunities and relationships they have to support pursuing those sparks, and how empowered they feel to make civic
contributions (their “voice”). Results consistently supported the hypothesis that linking one’s spark with a sense of voice
and supportive opportunities and relationships strengthens concurrent outcomes, particularly those reflecting prosociality,
during a key developmental transition period. The three developmental strengths also predicted most outcomes to a greater
degree than did demographics. However, less than 10 percent of 15-year-olds reported experiencing high levels of all three
strengths. The results demonstrate the value of focusing on thriving in adolescence, both to reframe our understanding of
this age group and to highlight the urgency of providing adolescents the opportunities and relationships they need to thrive. |
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