Overview
Researchers have noted the importance of adults in adolescents’ lives, particularly citing adult role models whom adolescents can look to as they are forming their identities. Although definitions of role models have varied, role models have traditionally been defined as adults to whom youth look up to and desire to be like. While many have speculated on the significance of role models in adolescents’ development, few researchers have investigated the potential of role models to influence adolescents’ outcomes. This essay provides a brief review of the literature on role models and adolescent development. In addition to reviewing studies that have assessed for role model influences on youth outcomes, this essay also reflects on relevant role model characteristics and provides directions for future research.
Adults play a pivotal role in adolescents’ development. One influential role that adults can play in adolescents’ lives is that of role model. Although academics,...
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Hurd, N.M., Zimmerman, M.A. (2011). Role Models. In: Levesque, R.J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Adolescence. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1695-2_230
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1695-2_230
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