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The article entitled "Requirements for Healthy Development of Adolescent Youth" written by Gisela Konopka in 1973, was written and viewed as a foundation for national policy. It defines adolescence as beginning at age 12 and ending possibly at age 22.
The following adolescent ranges were given:
12-15 early adolescence
15-18 middle adolescence
18-22 possible late adolescence
Since the premise for this blog is the discussion of young adult literature, I think it is important to include that in contrast Michael Cart wrote an article in January of 2008 for YALSA stating that in the 1990's young adults could be classified by age as young as 10 years and as old as 25 years. It is easy to see that the boundaries for young adult age classification have changed over the years and possibly varies in opinion according to the research and studies conducted.
Konopka lists in her article key concepts of adolescence. They are as follows:
"Experience of physical sexual maturity."
"Experience of withdrawal of and from adult benevolent protection."
"Consciousness of self in interaction."
"Re-evaluation of values."
"Experimentation."
Konopka also includes qualities of adolescence. They are as follows:
"...Audacity and Insecurity"
"...Loneliness and Psychological Vulnerability..."
"...Mood Swings..."
"...Peer Group Need"
"...Argumentative and Emotional..."
Konopka says in her article, "Those working and living with youth can foster healthy value formation by encouraging open discussion and refraining from trying to superimpose their values upon them." I have found this particularly true with my experiences with young adults. They want to be heard not merely talked to. They want to feel a part not be a part that is being controlled.
Konopka contrasts the two sides of healthy developments in adolescent youth. She discusses the conditions for normal development and then discusses the obstacles to it. I found this part of the article to be interesting. In my opinion, often these obstacles can be some of the most detrimental to the development of a young adult.
The following are the obstacles that Konopka discusses:
"Violation of Adolescents' Self-Respect by Adult World"
"Society's View of Adolescence as Preparatory"
"Prolonged Economic Dependence of Youth"
"Limited Outlet for Experimentation by Youth"
"Popular Acceptance of the Generation Gap Concept"
"Influences That Encourage Adolescent Egocentricity"
"Lack of Opportunity for Moral Development"
"Society's Confusion About Sex"
"Society's Belief That Family is the Only Place for Youth"
"Dominance of Youth Organizations by Adults"
"Denial of Equal Participation to Youth"
"Uneven Laws Pertaining to Youth"
Since the 1970's several of these obstacles I feel have improved for young adults. Adolescents are now being asked to participate in the planning and creation of things as well as having a voice today more than ever before. However, I feel society still has the same values and opinions today as in the 70's for some of these obstacles.
I found this article to be enlightening. I think the point that Konopka makes about encouraging adolescents and helping to build their self-confidence is key when working with them. As an educator, I am much better off having read this article.
References:
Cart, M. (2008, January). The value of young adult literature. Retrieved May 29, 2011, from Young Adult Library Services Association website: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/profdev/whitepapers/yalit.cfm
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