NCJ Number
120481
Date Published
1988
Length
75 pages
Annotation
This study examines the capacity of youth in trouble to change course and contextual attributes that promote and hinder the accomplishment of developmental tasks.
Abstract
The study first describes the developmental tasks adolescents must accomplish before they assume adult roles. It then presents two well-known explanations for youths' failure to accomplish these tasks. The first holds that individual defects prevent youth from functioning within acceptable norms. The defects are believed to result from flaws in genetic make-up, upbringing, and character. This theory doubts the capacity of youth to change because of the durable effects of early experience on acquired traits. The second explanation blames youths' problems on environmental flaws beyond the control of the family and the developing child. Examples are economic cycles, the labor market structure, discrimination, and other life events and circumstances of adolescence. This theory tends to support youths' capacity to change in response to environmental changes. A review of relevant research concludes that no one factor accounts for the difficulties youth have in assuming adult roles. Still, the study concludes, persons have an inborn and developed capacity to change throughout life. The study concludes by listing common characteristics of circumstances that promote positive changes in youth. 137 references, 14-item bibliography.