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ERIC Number: EJ828549
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0001-8449
EISSN: N/A
Early Adolescents' Conceptions of the Good Life and the Good Person
Bronk, Kendall Cotton
Adolescence (San Diego): an international quarterly devoted to the physiological, psychological, psychiatric, sociological, and educational aspects of the second decade of human life, v43 n172 p713 Win 2008
Twenty-five (N = 25) early adolescents were asked to describe their conceptions of the good life and a good person. Analysis of their responses revealed that sixth and ninth graders see care and support from friends and family as requisite components of the good life. Having material comforts, being happy, and achieving personal goals were also important, as were staying out of trouble and helping others. Treating others well was necessary for one to be considered a good person. Good people, according to these youths, also acted in genuine or authentic ways. Adolescents' views of the good life were compared with Benson's building blocks of healthy development. While the two notions were not identical, these early adolescents' conceptions mapped onto the categories of assets in all but one area. While Benson believes that responsibility to and respect from one's community is essential for healthy development, early adolescents did not find it requisite for the good life or good person. Implications of the difference are explored.
Libra Publishers Inc. 3089C Clairemont Drive PMB 383, San Diego, CA 92117. Tel: 858-571-1414
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 6; Grade 9
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A