Values Upheld within Peer Culture and Resilient Identity among Mid Adolescents (15-17 years Old) in Mbengwi Sub Division
Keywords:
Peer culture, values, midadolescents, resilient identityAbstract
Some mid adolescents in Mbengwi sub division, Northwest Region of Cameroon are faced with adverse conditions such as poverty, low socio-economic status, and loss of parent or parents that put them at risk of developing emotional and behavioural problems. Despite all these adversities faced by these adolescents, most of them still cope and develop successfully. Their ability to overcome such adversities often results from the interplay of individual characteristics, the characteristics of the family as well as those of the physical, social environment and the peer group. Hence, this study examined whether the values upheld within peer culture foster the development of resilient identity among mid adolescents. Both descriptive survey and ethnographic design were used to conduct this study. A sample of 300 mid adolescents and 10 parents were chosen for this study using purposive and incidental sampling techniques. Data were analysed following a triangulation approach in methodology, analytical process and statistical packages. Based on the above, it was realised that the “the values mid adolescents uphold” (X2=95.136; df=6; P<0.001) significantly foster the development of resilient identity (social competence, sense of purpose and problem solving) among mid adolescents. Such values realised among mid adolescents within peer groups that fosters resilient identity include: social solidarity, collaborating in harmony, employing creativity, being tolerant, patient, hardworking, persistent and accepting/taking risk. At the end of the study, it was recommended that, such values as mentioned above should be encouraged by stake holders of the community so as to enable mid adolescents to be able to overcome adversities and challenges that come their way
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