Adolescent Behavior: Multiple Levels of Social Influence

Excerpt

Adolescence is a critically important time period characterized by identity development and formation, increased autonomy and peer influence, biological changes, and exposure to new environments and behavior. Our knowledge of this key developmental timeframe has blossomed over the previous three decades with the help of well-designed longitudinal studies and an increased understanding of factors relevant to positive and negative development. Studies have revealed that exposure to a range of risk factors is strongly predictive of current and later psychosocial problems. Although not as well understood, we also know that protective factors can buffer or moderate the effect of these risk factors. Indeed, one variable that has consistently been associated with positive development is an attachment to prosocial role models (Yancey, Siegel, & McDaniel, 2002). To that end, the primary focus of this double issue is on the importance and influence of parents and other adults in reducing adolescent risk behavior and promoting positive youth development. …