Risk and Resiliency in Adolescence: The Current Status of Research on Gender Differences.

N

13

Adolescent Development; Adolescents; At Risk Persons; Educational Objectives; Environmental Influences; High Risk Students; Individual Characteristics; Self Esteem; Sex Differences; Student Behavior; Youth

By understanding at-risk youth, resilient youth, and the characteristics and behaviors of each, teachers and school personnel can create effective school connectedness and positive learning environments. This document focuses on resiliency factors in adolescence and how gender differences affect adolescent resiliency. Current research on environmental, behavioral and individual factors that may limit healthy adolescent development is discussed. Adolescent risk and protective factors are addressed by the following categories: (1) individual-related; (2) family-related; (3) peer-related; (4) school-related; and (5) community-related. Recommendations for schools related to adolescent risk and resiliency factors are provided. They include: assess the real problems; personalize schools; pay attention to girls' troubles; ensure extra-curricular activities; enhance academic achievement; expect students to do well; emphasize service learning programs; model respect and concern; increase parental involvement; and develop community collaborations. A portion of the document explores future research needs in adolescent development and concludes that more research is needed on the risk factor of academic failure as it related to gender, and how gender needs are addressed in the school setting. Contains 30 references. (SR)

1996

ED387714