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The Psychology and Practice of Youth‐Adult Partnership: Bridging Generations for Youth Development and Community Change
Author(s) -
Zeldin Shepherd,
Christens Brian D.,
Powers Jane L.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1007/s10464-012-9558-y
Subject(s) - positive youth development , general partnership , reciprocity (cultural anthropology) , social connectedness , community psychology , health psychology , construct (python library) , youth studies , sociology , civic engagement , bridging (networking) , public relations , psychology , social psychology , public health , political science , developmental psychology , medicine , computer network , nursing , politics , computer science , law , programming language
Youth‐adult partnership (Y‐AP) has become a phenomenon of interest to scholars and practitioners. Despite the potential of Y‐AP to promote positive youth development, increase civic engagement, and support community change, the practice remains unfamiliar to many. Although research has increased over the past decade, the construct remains vague with an insufficient grounding in developmental theory and community practice. This article seeks to address these gaps by synthesizing data and insights from the historical foundations of Y‐AP, community based research, and case study. We propose Y‐AP as a unifying concept, distinct from other forms of youth‐adult relationships, with four core elements: authentic decision making, natural mentors, reciprocity, and community connectedness. We conclude that Y‐AP functions as an active ingredient and fundamental practice for positive youth development and civic engagement. Directions for future research are offered.