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ERIC Number: ED442583
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2000-May
Pages: 7
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Preventing Problems vs. Promoting the Positive: What Do We Want for Our Children? Child Trends Research Brief.
Moore, Kristin A.; Halle, Tamara G.
Noting that there is little focus in research literature, in popular discussions, or in policymaking regarding how to promote positive youth development, this research brief presents a preliminary set of constructs that might comprise positive youth development in order to spark productive conversations that will lead to a better conceptualization and a greater understanding of the full range of development and behavior possible for children. The list of constructs was based on opinions expressed in national surveys, from a perceived cultural consensus about characteristics and activities that are intrinsically valuable, and from research that finds associations between certain child and youth characteristics and later positive outcomes. Each of the following constructs is reviewed briefly: (1) close parent-child relationships; (2) sibling relationships; (3) peer relationships; (4) character; (5) civility; (6) religiosity/spirituality; (7) tolerance; (8) extracurricular activities; (9) sports and exercise; (10) participation in cultural and literary activities; (11) environmental lifestyle; (12) volunteer community involvement; and (13) social capacity. The brief concludes by noting that there is currently extensive coverage of negative adolescent behaviors and poor child outcomes, and that the scarcity of information on positive development is due, in part, to a lack of consensus among experts in the field regarding positive outcomes desired for children. This lack of consensus undermines the capacity to raise healthy, high-achieving children. (Contains 34 references.) (KB)
Child Trends, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 100, Washington, DC 20008; Tel: 202-362-5580; Fax: 202-362-5523; Web site: http://www.childtrends.org (full paper is also available on Web site).
Publication Type: Information Analyses; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Chicago, IL.; National Inst. of Child Health and Human Development (NIH), Bethesda, MD.; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (DHHS), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Child Trends, Inc., Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A