Adolescents' precocious and developmentally appropriate contributions to their families' well-being and resilience in five countries

Abstract

An exploratory qualitative study of 16 disadvantaged youth in 5 countries suggests that making both precocious and developmentally appropriate contributions to their families' well-being is advantageous to adolescents coping with chronic adversity. All youth were known to be doing well (as identified by community advisors) and showed patterns of contribution that provided instrumental support to parents, siblings, and extended family members in culturally relevant ways. Data were gathered using in-depth interviews, photo-elicitation, and the filming of 1 full day in the life of each youth. Youth reported that their experiences of precocious (synonymous with processes of adultification) and developmentally appropriate contribution facilitate their access to resources that nurture and sustain their well-being. This process of contribution is discussed as one aspect of resilience. Both youth and their caregivers coconstructed acts of contribution as helpful to young people's psychosocial development in contexts where youth are exposed to multiple risks.