This research, using a prospective longitudinal design, examines the effects of early work experiences on adolescent mental health. A panel study is currently in its fourth year, with annual surveys obtained from 1001 adolescents during each year of high school. The central hypothesis is that the mental health consequences of work are dependent on the nature of work experiences, especially the opportunities, stressors, autonomy, and social support encountered in the workplace. Work experiences are expected to influence the adolescent largely indirectly, through their effects on attitudes and behaviors with respect to the family, school and peer group. Mental health indicators under investigation are depressive affect and well- being, self-derogation and self-esteem, and personal efficacy (mastery orientation). Outcomes relevant to present and future adjustment are also assessed: e.g., educational aspirations, academic achievement, school problem behavior and substance use. Finally, the research examines factors which influence selection into work and changes in work experiences over time. Particular features of work experience that influence boys' and girls' mental health and behavioral adjustment through the tenth grade of high school have been identified and some intervening mechanisms assessed. Continuing support is requested: (1) to analyze four waves of data, to more fully understand the impacts of adolescent work, including critical intervening variables and potential interactions (e.g., differences in its effects, depending on timing; subgroup variation; and support in the domains of family and school); (2) to conduct a fifth wave of data collection, four years most respondents' graduation from high school, to assess longer-term consequences. This survey will enable assessment of whether early work constitutes a source of stress resistance, """"""""steeling,"""""""" or protection in the face of subsequent life stressors, especially those encountered in work situations. Alternatively, it could be a stress-sensitizing factor, if it has occurred at a time when the adolescent is not """"""""developmentally ready."""""""" A component of this research examines processes of adaptation, acculturation, and mental health through adolescence and the transition to adulthood in a recent immigrant group of Hmong refugee adolescents.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH042843-06
Application #
3382183
Study Section
Mental Health Behavioral Sciences Research Review Committee (BSR)
Project Start
1987-12-01
Project End
1997-02-28
Budget Start
1993-03-01
Budget End
1994-02-28
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
168559177
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55455
Johnson, Monica Kirkpatrick; Hitlin, Steven (2017) Family (Dis)Advantage and Life Course Expectations. Soc Forces 95:997-1022
Mortimer, Jeylan T; Zhang, Lei; Wu, Chen-Yu et al. (2017) Familial Transmission of Educational Plans and the Academic Self-Concept: A Three-Generation Longitudinal Study. Soc Psychol Q 80:85-107
McLaughlin, Heather; Uggen, Christopher; Blackstone, Amy (2017) THE ECONOMIC AND CAREER EFFECTS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT ON WORKING WOMEN. Gend Soc 31:333-358
Mortimer, Jeylan T; Kim, Minzee; Staff, Jeremy et al. (2016) Unemployment, Parental Help, and Self-Efficacy During the Transition to Adulthood. Work Occup 43:434-465
Vuolo, Mike; Mortimer, Jeylan T; Staff, Jeremy (2016) The value of educational degrees in turbulent economic times: Evidence from the Youth Development Study. Soc Sci Res 57:233-52
Eliason, Scott R; Mortimer, Jeylan T; Vuolo, Mike (2015) The Transition to Adulthood: Life Course Structures and Subjective Perceptions. Soc Psychol Q 78:205-227
Mitchell, Lauren L; Syed, Moin (2015) Does College Matter for Emerging Adulthood? Comparing Developmental Trajectories of Educational Groups. J Youth Adolesc 44:2012-27
Johnson, Monica Kirkpatrick; Mortimer, Jeylan T (2015) Reinforcement or Compensation? The Effects of Parents' Work and Financial Conditions on Adolescents' Work Values during the Great Recession. J Vocat Behav 87:89-100
Hitlin, Steven; Johnson, Monica Kirkpatrick (2015) Reconceptualizing Agency within the Life Course: The Power of Looking Ahead. AJS 120:1429-72
Lee, Bora; Vondracek, Fred W (2014) Teenage goals and self-efficacy beliefs as precursors of adult career and family outcomes. J Vocat Behav 85:228-237

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