Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow (TAG)—A Strengths-Based Approach to Promoting Health in Youth

Abstract

Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow® (TAG) is a national call to action to promote adolescent health and healthy development. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health and developed with the input of national organizations, it builds on the collective wisdom of youth-serving professionals and seeks to raise the profile of adolescent health in the national discourse. Using TAG, the Office of Adolescent Health conducts outreach and delivers tools and information that support the integration of positive youth development precepts into the ongoing work of federal, state, and local public agencies; youth-serving health, public health, education, and social service professionals and organizations; faith- and community-based organizations; workforce development organizations and employers; and other stakeholders. TAG does not provide a formulaic blueprint for action, but instead encourages youth-serving organizations to use approaches that are consistent with their mission, objectives, priorities, and tactics. Preliminary evaluation findings indicate interest in the overall concept and resources of TAG, with partners citing the sharing of resources as a primary engagement strategy.

Pozitív fiatalkori fejlődést meghatározó családi, iskolai, egyéni tényezők és összefüggéseik áttekintése a jólléttel

“…Az ott kialakult kapcsolat a társaikkal, tanáraikkal, valamint magával az iskolával, és a tanulási folyamat minősége egy életre szóló és meghatározó élmény marad számukra (Fehér & Fodor, 2020;Fodor & Molnár, 2020). Az értékek, nézetek és viselkedési mintázatok, melyek a serdülőkorban alakulnak ki és szilárdulnak meg, végigkísérik őket életük során (Novick et al, 2018).…”

Validation of a Protective and Promotive Factors Measure: The Youth Thrive Survey

“…Social connections are young peoples' (a) healthy and sustained relationships with caring, supportive family members, other adults, peers, and close friends; (b) physically and emotionally safe, stable, and equitable environments-such as schools, neighborhoods, and community organizations-that provide opportunities for constructive engagement as learners, leaders, team members, and workers (Novick et al, 2018); and/or (c) belief in a higher power that helps youth to find meaning and a positive purpose in their lives. Research has confirmed that youth need to feel connected to someone or some entity in order to thrive, and that a sense of connectedness is protective against many health risk behaviors (Novick et al, 2018;Resnick, 2005). Healthy social connections help to promote a sense of trust, belonging, and a belief that one matters.…”

“…Help-seeking is also a protective factor for adolescent health and overall satisfaction with life (Barker, 2007;Unrau et al, 2006). Young people need access to accurate information and high-quality resources and services that are tailored to their unique developmental stage (Novick et al, 2018). Concrete support should be provided in a manner that preserves youths' dignity, provides opportunities to learn to advocate for oneself, and helps to minimize the negative impact of adversity and traumatic experiences.…”