Adolescent Development Research Research Articles

Towards a decolonial developmental science: Adolescent development in the Majority World taking center stage.

While aspiring to be a diverse and global science, developmental science continues to be dominated by EuroAmerican epistemologies, researchers, and communities in its published scholarship. Adolescents in communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America comprise 85% of the world's adolescent population, and yet their experiences and perspectives are marginalized in our science. Adolescents in the Majority World live in highly diverse social, cultural, political, economic, educational and healthcare contexts that contribute to their development, and we have much to learn from their experiences. This article situates the marginalization of the global majority within coloniality embedded in developmental science. The article describes the impetus for this special issue Towards a decolonial developmental science and the process of putting it together, along with providing an overview of the 18 articles in this collection that push us towards decoloniality. The special issue serves as a call to transform developmental science to be decolonial by empowering adolescent development in Majority World communities to take center stage. Adolescent development research from Majority World communities has the potential to challenge the knowledge base generated from Minority World samples, contributing to a science that is comprehensive, inclusive, and can inform prevention and intervention efforts to support the well-being of adolescents globally.

Utilizing SBIRT as a Framework for Transforming How We Think About Prevention and Early Intervention for Youth and Young Adults

Utilizing SBIRT as a Framework for Transforming How We Think About Prevention and Early Intervention for Youth and Young Adults

Toward an Indigenizing, Anti-Colonial Framework for Adolescent Development Research

As a means to disrupt the historical and present narratives of adolescence and adolescent development, which often build upon and reify settler colonialism and white supremacy, this article calls for theoretical and methodological reconsiderations of colonial-centered developmental science, particularly regarding Native American youth. Thus situated, this article has two purposes. The first is to illuminate the constitutive nature of settler colonialism, white supremacy, and the constructs of adolescence and adolescent development—and the ways these continue to adversely impact Indigenous youth. From this exigency, the second purpose is to articulate a framework designed to inform developmental science’s anti-racist aims, especially related to disrupting ongoing settler colonialism, engaging in culturally humble inquiry with Native youth and communities, and supporting Indigenous (youth) futurity. To elucidate this framework, this article brings together Native youth-focused developmental research, Indigenous methodologies scholarship, and experiences gained and lessons learned from a long-term research project with Native youth.

Adolescent Well-Being Gap Maps: What We Know and Opportunities for Future Research

Designing and delivering effective programs for adolescents and youth requires high-quality evidence that is easily available to decision makers. Yet while adolescence as a unique development period has gained policy attention in recent years, and there has been a growth in research, priorities for research investment remain unclear. This paper provides a panoramic view of adolescent development research to review what evidence exists and how evidence is mapped. Our approach interrogated studies mapped by evidence maps (including the subset evidence gap maps or EGMs). Our findings have implications for future directions of research on positive youth development (PYD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): The analysis showed that while most evidence maps exist in the adolescent protection, safety, and security domain, most studies focus on outcomes related to well-being and social and emotional health. There are gaps in demographic groupings and contexts studied. For example, while gender and sex inequities were the most prevalent in the studies identified, though seen in less than 1/5 of the studies analyzed, disability appears in only 3%. Housing, participation, and information communication technologies are researched relatively rarely. Rigorous research in conflict or humanitarian settings is absent. Additionally, while most impact evaluations are conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by Latin America, the Middle East and North America were poorly represented regions. This article reflects on the state of the evidence, argues for a more thoughtful approach to equity in adolescent research, and calls for a stronger link between research, policy, and practice in LMICs.

Pornography Use and Psychological Science: A Call for Consideration

Pornography use is both ubiquitous and controversial in developed nations. Although research related to pornography use has flourished in topical and special-interest journals for several decades, much of this work has remained in the periphery of mainstream interests. The current article reviews how pornography use is likely relevant to various domains within psychological science, particularly emphasizing its significance in relationship research, adolescent-development research, and clinical science. Specifically, pornography use is likely salient to research examining both sexual and romantic satisfaction. Additionally, it is also likely relevant to understanding adolescent sexual development, particularly among sexual-minority populations. Finally, a large body of research suggests that pornography use may become problematic, either because of excessive use or moral incongruence about such use, illustrating its salience in clinical psychological science. Collectively, the current research related to pornography use suggests that it is of interest to multiple domains in psychological science and that its effects can range from positive to neutral to negative.

An alternative approach to frequentist meta-analysis: A demonstration of Bayesian meta-analysis in adolescent development research

IntroductionPast decades have seen a surge of applied and methodological research on meta-analysis. One methodological advancement that has gained significant traction is a Bayesian approach to meta-analysis. MethodsWe present a non-technical introduction to Bayesian meta-analysis. This introduction re-analyzes data from a meta-analysis concerning the impact of media literacy interventions on attitudes and intentions related to risky health behaviors using a Bayesian approach. One data relate media literacy interventions to media literacy skills, and another relates media literacy interventions to attitudes and behavioral intentions towards risky health behaviors. In these examples we focus on how to conduct unconditional models via graphical and quantitative results. Further, we demonstrate how to conduct subgroup analyses using risk behavior type (drinking, sexual, or smoking). ResultsWe demonstrated how several meta-analytical quantities could be computed and interpreted in a Bayesian framework. This was done both graphically (plot of the marginal posterior distributions) and quantitatively (e.g., central tendency measures, highest posterior density intervals). Results also showed how analyzing effect sizes at the risk-behavior level could affect several interpretations. ConclusionsWe emphasize that in no way are Bayesian methods “superior” to frequentist methods, nor that frequentist methods should be abandoned. Instead, the two approaches should be viewed as familial, each with advantages and disadvantages, but strive at a common purpose. We hope for increased use of Bayesian meta-analyses, and Bayesian methodology at large, in adolescence research. Last, all R code is provided for readers to use as a foundation for their own research.

The Set of Assumptions Randomized Control Trials Make and Their Implications for the Role of Such Experiments in Evidence-Based Child and Adolescent Development Research.

This chapter highlights the key assumptions underlying Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) and illustrates them with regard to the practice of RCTs in the realm of child and adolescent development. Given the prominence of RCTs in policy research, we analyze the possible ways in which these assumptions might not be met by single randomized experiments, thereby making it difficult to draw valid causal inference from single studies. We frame this discussion within the categories of internal validity, statistical conclusion validity, construct validity, and external validity and address the debate about the "gold standard" status accorded to RCTs.

Perspectives on Conceptualizing Developmentally Appropriate Sexuality Education

ABSTRACTDespite recognition of the importance of a developmentally appropriate approach to sexuality education, there is little direct guidance on how to do this. This study employed in-depth interviews with experienced sexuality educators and developers of sexuality education materials to identify how this concept is understood and applied in the field. Developmentally appropriate sexuality education was conceptualized consistently across interviews to include (a) addressing developmentally relevant topics, (b) adapting content to cognitive development, (c) accommodating developmental diversity, and (d) facilitating the internalization of sexual health messages. However, these views fell short of incorporating the breadth of knowledge offered by adolescent development research.

Research on Child and Adolescent Development and Public Policy in Latin America.

This commentary discusses the implication of child and adolescent development research for public policy in Latin America. As illustrated by the articles in this special issue, even though the research of child and adolescent development in Latin America is making significant progress, still more research is needed. Developmental research in the region faces the challenge of uncovering the mechanisms that affect child development in a context of high levels of poverty and inequality. In addition, researchers in the region should be particularly careful in using appropriate and rigorous methods, improving the design and adaptation of instruments that measure child and adolescent development, developing longitudinal datasets, and looking for causal evidence. Children and adolescents in Latin America will benefit from a further expansion of developmental research. Research in child and adolescent development using data from Latin America can advise policy makers and help improve the design and evaluation of interventions and public policies that promote child and adolescent well-being in the region.

Illuminating Trajectories of Adolescent Thriving and Contribution Through the Words of Youth: Qualitative Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development

Theory and research in adolescent development have emphasized that contributing to self, others, and community is important to the success of society and predictive of positive youth and later adult development. Despite this emphasis, there is a lack of qualitative and youth-centered research exploring whether adolescents themselves value contribution as part of their daily lives or future goals. Understandings of contribution are, thus, limited in their generalizability. To lessen this gap, we implemented qualitative analyses of open-ended responses from youth in the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. We addressed questions about what is meaningful to youth and about their future goals through descriptive and thematic analyses of responses from 56 youth (66% female) who participated in the 4-H Study in each of three grades (6, 9, and 12). Findings indicated that most youth in this study valued acts and/or ideologies of contribution at some point in their adolescence, and several were committed to facets of contribution across grades. The analyses also identified other aspects of these youth experiences (e.g., athletics, family relationships, and academic competencies) that were described as meaningful across adolescence. Findings are discussed in relationship to youth programming aimed at encouraging well-being and contribution in adolescence.

Application of SPSS linear mixed methods to adolescent development research: basic concepts and steps

In the context of intervention research, it is always important to ask whether the growth of the participants in the intervention group is superior to that of the control group participants. Although this question can be answered by analyses based on traditional generalized linear models, there are many problems associated with such analyses. Alternatively, individual growth curve (IGC) modeling analyses based on linear mixed methods (LMM) are proposed. Although LMM are available in generic computer software, such as SPSS, there is a paucity of user-friendly manuals and illustrations. To help researchers utilize SPSS in creating IGC models, we present in this paper the basic concepts of IGC modeling and of the process of using SPSS to conduct IGC.

Criminalizing Normal Adolescent Behavior in Communities of Color: The Role of Prosecutors in Juvenile Justice Reform

There is little dispute that racial disparities pervade the contemporary American juvenile justice system. The persistent over representation of youth of color in the system suggests that scientifically supported notions of diminished culpability of youth are not applied consistently across races. Drawing from recent studies on implicit bias and the impact of race on perceptions of adolescent culpability, Professor Henning contends that contemporary narratives portraying black and Hispanic youth as dangerous and irredeemable lead prosecutors to disproportionately reject youth as a mitigating factor for their behavior. Although racial disparities begin at arrest and persist through every stage of the juvenile justice process, this Article focuses specifically on the unique opportunity and obligation that prosecutors have to address those disparities at the charging phase of the juvenile case.Professor Henning implores juvenile prosecutors to resist external pressures to respond punitively and symbolically to exaggerated perceptions of threat by youth of color and envisions a path toward structured decision making at the charging phase that is informed by research in adolescent development, challenges distorted notions of race and maturity, and holds prosecutors accountable for equitable decision making across race. While fully embracing legitimate prosecutorial concerns about victims’ rights and public safety, Professor Henning frames the charging decision as one requiring fairness, equity, and efficacy. Fairness requires that prosecutors evaluate juvenile culpability in light of the now well-documented features of adolescent offending. Equity demands an impartial application of the developmental research to all youth, regardless of race and socioeconomic status. Efficacy asks prosecutors to rely on scientifically validated best practices for ensuring positive youth development and achieving public safety. Thus, even when neighborhood effects and social structures produce opportunities for more serious and more frequent crime among youth of color, prosecutors have a duty to evaluate that behavior in light of the current developmental research and respond to that conduct with the same developmentally appropriate options that are so often available to white youth.As the gatekeepers of juvenile court jurisdiction, prosecutors should work with developmental experts, school officials, and other community representatives to develop and publish juvenile charging standards that reflect these goals. To increase transparency and encourage buy-in from the public, Professor Henning recommends that prosecutors track charging decisions according to race and geographic neighborhood and provide community representatives and other stakeholders with an opportunity to review those decisions for disparate impact. Finally, to ensure that communities of color are able to respond to adolescent offending without state intervention, Professor Henning contemplates a more expansive role for prosecutors who will engage and encourage school officials and community representatives to identify and develop adequate community-based, adolescent-appropriate alternatives to prosecution.

Individual and contextual bases of thriving in adolescence: A view of the issues

We introduce this special issue on the individual and contextual bases of adolescent thriving by describing the relational developmental systems theory-based, positive youth development (PYD) perspective that frames much of contemporary research about health and positive development across the adolescent period and that, more specifically, frames the 4-H Study of PYD, the data set from which the empirical work in this special issue is drawn. All articles point to the combined role of characteristics of the person and ecological assets in the family, school, or community settings of youth to promote the development of PYD. We discuss how these articles provide evidence about the empirical usefulness of the PYD perspective and discuss how research testing the PYD model has new and important implications for both adolescent development research and for the application of developmental science.

Testing Mediation Using Multiple Regression and Structural Equation Modeling Analyses in Secondary Data

Mediation analysis in child and adolescent development research is possible using large secondary data sets. This article provides an overview of two statistical methods commonly used to test mediated effects in secondary analysis: multiple regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). Two empirical studies are presented to illustrate the respective circumstances in which the two methods are most useful. One study examines the mediated effect of parents' social capital on parent involvement in Head Start programs through parent-child bond. The other study assesses the mediating effects of structured routine activities, delinquent association, and prosocial belief on the relationship between religiosity and juvenile delinquency.

Leadership Development

This study focuses on two girls' experiences in one youth leadership organization during a period of 3 years. Relying on an embedded case study design, the authors examine the links between leadership development and programmatic structures and supports. Specifically, the development of leadership capacities are analyzed along three dimensions: communication and interpersonal skills, analytic and critical reflection, and positive involvement in community affairs. Within the leadership organization, the authors consider structures that accommodate and validate different styles of youth leadership and different developmental trajectories, focusing on how these structures evolved along with the leaders they were designed to support. The conclusion discusses the relevance of the lessons that the two girls exposed and that the program internalized to adolescent development research and youth development programming.

Understanding adolescent development: Implications for driving safety

Problem The implementation of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs has significantly improved the crash and fatality rates of novice teen drivers, but these rates remain unacceptably high. Method A review of adolescent development research was undertaken to identify potential areas of improvement. Results Research support for GDL was found to be strong, particularly regarding early acquisition of expertise in driving safety (beyond driving skill), and to limitations that reduce opportunities for distraction. GDL regimes are highly variable, and no US jurisdictions have implemented optimal regimes. Summary Expanding and improving GDL to enhance acquisition of expertise and self-regulation are indicated for implementation and for applied research. Driver training that effectively incorporates safety goals along with driving skill is another target. Impact on Industry The insurance industry will benefit from further GDL enhancements. Benefits may accrue to improved driver training, improved simulation devices during training, and automated safety feedback instrumentation.

Parents' Problem Solving with Preadolescents and Its Association with Social Withdrawal at School: Considering Parents' Stress and Child Gender

The early adolescent years are a critical period for social skill development, especially for children at risk for social failure. Data from the Adolescent Development Research Program (ADRP) were used to examine the interrelationship of parents’ stress, problem solving with their adolescent child, and youths’ social withdrawal. Data were collected from 231 families in the rural South, each of which included an 11- or 12-year-old child. Fathers’ but not mothers’ constructive problem solving with children was negatively associated with teachers’ reports of youths’ social withdrawal, with the association for fathers being especially strong for sons. Neither parents’ self-reported stress was associated with selfreported problem solving with children, nor was parents’ stress associated with children’s social withdrawal. Interventions with fathers that teach and encourage problem solving with children may benefit children’s social development, a benefit that may be especially helpful for socially withdrawn sons.

Alliance-building interventions with adolescents in family therapy: A process study.

This exploratory, process-research study identified, articulated, and measured therapist behaviors associated with improving initially poor therapistadolescent alliances in multidimensional family therapy (MDFT). A list of preliminary alliance-building interventions was generated from MDFT theory and adolescent development research. This list was then refined through the observation of videotaped MDFT sessions. A sample of five improved and five unimproved alliance cases was then drawn from a larger treatment study. Participants were primarily African American, male, adolescent substance abusers and their families. Coders rated the first three sessions of each case (30 sessions) to

Modeling Developmental Complexity in Adolescence: Hormones and Behavior in Context

A major challenge for scholars of adolescent development consists of expanding current theoretical models to capitalize on advances in the biomedical sciences. Integration of biological processes into models of adolescent development will enable scientists to construct more holistic and integrative perspectives than currently are available. The urgency for further integration of biological, psychological, and contextual domains in theoretical models stems from the reality that serious ongoing problems remain to be solved, old problems are reemerging, and still other lethal problems are emerging for the first time. The links between endocrine physiological processes and adolescent psychological processes are the focus of this article. The article begins with a brief history of biopsychosocial research in adolescent development. Four models for conceptualizing hormone-behavior research as illustrative of biopsychosocial models are discussed. The article concludes with challenges and directions for future re...

Monitoring Family System Functioning, Family, and Adolescent Coping in the Context of Residential Treatment

The basic research value of an agency-based information system is a function of its ability to examine and test social science theories, propositions, and hypotheses. This paper employs BOMIS data to test a set of hypotheses regarding the effects of youth coping patterns and family system types on successful program completion and post-release outcomes. The findings have implications for treatment change as well as for family and adolescent development research.