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Predictors of positive development in emerging adulthood.
Meredith O'Connor1, Ann Sanson, Mary T Hawkins
1Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. mo@unimelb.edu.au
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|October 12, 2010
Summary
Positive development in emerging adulthood is linked to strong relationships, good school adjustment, higher socioeconomic status, and emotional control. These factors offer targets for interventions to support youth well-being.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Positive Psychology
Background:
- Recent research emphasizes understanding successful youth development and its precursors.
- Identifying modifiable targets for interventions is crucial for promoting positive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine child and adolescent precursors of positive functioning in emerging adulthood.
- To identify individual, relationship, and community factors associated with positive development.
- To explore potential gender differences in these developmental pathways.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 511 males and 647 females from the Australian Temperament Project.
- Assessment of psychosocial adjustment from infancy to early adulthood.
- Multidimensional positive development measure administered at 19-20 years.
Main Results:
- Higher positive development was associated with stronger family/peer relationships, better school adjustment, higher socioeconomic status, and emotional control.
- Emotional control, family relationships, and community orientation were stronger predictors for males than females.
- Significant gender differences were observed in predictors of positive development.
Conclusions:
- Childhood and adolescent factors significantly predict positive functioning in emerging adulthood.
- Interventions targeting relationships, school adjustment, socioeconomic status, and emotional control can promote positive youth development.
- Understanding gender-specific pathways is important for tailored interventions.
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