Supportive relationships research review
Research ReportAPA Citation:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach. (2017). Supportive relationships research review. Retrieved from: www.MilitaryREACH.org
Abstract Created by REACH:
Supportive relationships are vital for individuals’ well-being across the lifespan. Supportive relationships with caring adults are particularly important for youth as they navigate obstacles and changes during their transition to adulthood and develop the competencies necessary to become well-adjusted, self-sufficient young adults (Arnett, 2000; Eccles & Gootman, 2002; Larson & Tran, 2014). Indeed, supportive non-parental adult relationships can foster resilience to mitigate the negative effects of stressors encountered by youth and provide youth with an array of opportunities for positive development and growth (Catalano, Berglund, Ryan, Lonczak, & Hawkins, 2004; Grossman & Bulle, 2006). Youth can form supportive relationships in a number of different contexts and with people in a range of capacities (e.g., teachers, coaches, extended family). Youth programs provide one such context for youth to build relationships with non-parental adults (Metz, Goldsmith, & Arbreton, 2008). Given that youth programs encourage youth workers to be accessible, nurturing mentors and role models for youth and to build close relationships with youth (Catalano et al., 2004; Hirsch, 2005b; Pryce, 2012), these programs can provide an ideal opportunity for youth to engage in supportive relationships. The current paper will examine supportive relationships within the context of youth programs, offering a definition of supportive relationships, reviewing important youth outcomes related to supportive relationships, and discussing implications for youth programs and youth workers.
Focus:
Youth
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Methodology:
Review of Literature
Authors:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach
Publication Type:
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach
Keywords:
relationships, self-sufficient, positive youth development
Location:
University of Minnesota
REACH Publication Type:
Research Report
Sponsors:
Department of Defense between the Office of Military Community and Family Policy and the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture through a grant/cooperative agreement Award No. 2009-48667-05833 with The University of Minnesota