Portrait of Young Adolescents in the 1990s: Implications for Promoting Healthy Growth and Development

• NCJ Number: 139949
• Author(s): P C Scales
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 96 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Lilly Endowment, Inc; Carnegie Corporation of New York
• Corporate Author: Center for Early Adolescence
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Based on recent research findings and policy analyses, this report explains the developmental needs and current status of children ages 10 to 15 in the United States and recommends policy and program changes to promote their healthy growth and development.

Abstract

The text emphasizes that early adolescents require a variety of types and levels of activities to meet their seven crucial developmental needs: (1) positive social interaction with adults and peers;, (2) structure and clear limits; (3) physical activity; (4) creative expression; (5) competence and achievement; (6) meaningful participation in families, schools, and communities; and (7) opportunities for self-definition. Data regarding demographics, health status, social health, family change, education, and other factors indicate both distressing and hopeful trends. Therefore, actions are needed to reduce poverty, make supports available to families with young adolescents, improve schooling in the middle grades, increase the promotion of physical and mental health, and increase opportunities for young adolescents to become close to others and to have an impact on their communities. Figures, tables, and chapter reference lists