Keywords

family leisure, parental involvement, youth development

Abstract

Family leisure involvement may provide the first and most essential context for positive youth development in today's society.

Structured and organized programs and activities provide valuable settings for youth development. However, the primary setting of the home should be considered the fi rst, and perhaps the most essential, context for positive youth development. Within the home environment, the parents are often the most invested adults in the lives of youth. Parental involvement is one of the strongest protective factors an adolescent can have related to maximizing his or her potential. Evidence supports that strong, positive parental infl uence contributes to preventing adolescent risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use and promiscuity. Positive interaction within the family clearly provides the context that has the potential to play the most signifi cant role when considering experiences that can foster meaningful relationships, help develop skills and competencies, and influence all aspects of a youth’s environment. When considering family life, Zabriskie and McCormick stated, “Besides family crisis, shared leisure may be one of the few experiences that bring family members together for any significant amount of time today.”

Original Publication Citation

"Positive youth development within a family leisure context: Youth perspectives of family outcomes.", New Directions for Youth Development, Edition 130, Pages 29-42, 2011

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2011

Publisher

New Directions for Youth Development

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Experience Design and Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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