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Youth purpose and positive youth development.
Jenni Menon Mariano1, Julie Going
1University of South Florida S-M, Sarasota, Florida, USA.
Advances in Child Development and Behavior
|December 25, 2012
Summary
Discovering purpose in adolescents and young adults is key to positive youth development (PYD) and thriving. Social support that is responsive to youth interests can foster purpose and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Positive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Youth purpose is a developing area of research within positive youth development (PYD).
- Existing literature defines purpose in various ways, including one-dimensional, multi-dimensional, and integrated with meaning.
- Related constructs like life goals, contribution, and sparks offer insights into the purpose-PYD relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on youth purpose and its connection to positive youth development and thriving.
- To explore how various definitions and related constructs inform our understanding of youth purpose.
- To identify factors that may promote purpose in young people.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research and findings on youth purpose.
- Analysis of definitions and conceptualizations of purpose in developmental literature.
- Synthesis of studies examining the relationship between purpose and positive youth outcomes.
Main Results:
- Purpose is linked to positive adolescent and young adult states, including life satisfaction, coping, generosity, optimism, and humility.
- Purpose is associated with mature identity status and global personality integration.
- Social support, particularly responsive attention to youth interests, may promote purpose.
Conclusions:
- Youth purpose is a significant factor in positive youth development and thriving.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the nuances of youth purpose and its promotion.
- Interventions supporting responsive social connections may foster purpose and enhance well-being in young people.
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