Empowerment-Based Positive Youth Development: A New Understanding of Healthy Development for African American Youth
Date
2014-03
Authors
Travis, Raphael
Leech, Tamara G. J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society for Research on Adolescence
Abstract
A shift occurred in research about adolescents in the general population. Research is moving away from deficits toward a resilience paradigm and understanding trajectories of positive youth development. This shift has been less consistent in research and practice with African American youth. A gap also exists in understanding whether individual youth development dimensions generate potential in other dimensions. This study presents an empowerment -based positive youth development model. It builds upon existing research to present a new vision of healthy development for African American youth that is strengths -based, developmental, culture -bound, and action -oriented. It emphasizes the relationship between person and environment, the reinforcing nature of developmental assets, and the necessity of a sense of community and community engagement for youth.
Description
Keywords
African American youth, youth development, Social Work
Citation
Travis, R., & Leech, T. G. J. (2014). Empowerment-Based Positive Youth Development: A New Understanding of Healthy Development for African American Youth. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 24(1), 93–116.