Adolescence

The developmental approach

© UNICEF/HQ99-0339/Horner

An adolescent girl from the Children's Movement for Peace, wearing a T-shirt bearing the UNICEF logo, sits on the ground with a group of children, conducting a "return of happiness" workshop. (Colombia)

There is now a considerable body of research that shows us that a developmental approach is both the most effective way to deal with adolescent problems and the most powerful way in which adolescent growth and well-being can be assured.

Research shows that adolescent problem behaviours are inter-related and have similar origins. Focusing on these common antecedents rather than the problems themselves is likely to have a deeper, lasting impact and help address multiple problems at the same time.

A key task in linking HIV/AIDS prevention with development is to broaden the definition of desired and expected skills. These go beyond academic achievement and employment and include vocational, physical, emotional, civic, social and cultural abilities.
There must also be an acceptance of a second set of equally important outcomes for adolescents: adolescents need to be connected, caring and committed. In addition to skills, adolescents must have a solid sense of safety and structure, membership and belonging, expertise and purpose, responsibility and self-worth.

What adolescents need to achieve these outcomes

Positive adolescent outcomes cannot be brought about without understanding adolescents' contexts, including their social environment, relationships and opportunities. Among the most significant "protective factors" are places. Adolescents need a stable place, which is theirs and where they feel safe.

Recent research has demonstrated the positive effect of "connectedness" to school and home on health behaviours. The quality of sustained parent-adolescent relationships and caring teachers are among the key "protective factors". Young people also need access to basic care and services that are appropriate, affordable and if necessary, confidential. High quality instruction and training is essential.

Adolescents need challenging experiences that are appropriate, diverse and sufficiently intense. They need opportunities for real participation and involvement in a range of community life. All young people, in or out of school, whether low-income or affluent, need a mix of services, support and opportunities to stay engaged.

Places, services and instruction are some of the resources that families and communities can offer to adolescents to help fulfil their potential.