The article I chose to discuss is titled “Positive Development in Emerging Adulthood” by Mary Hawkins et al. It is published in the Australian Journal of Psychology, 1999. This article majors its discussion in the analysis of factors that affect the positive development of adults aged between 19 and 20 years. This article is therefore, valid because it seeks to justify some of the theoretical parameters that have been shown to affect the positive development of an individual. Some of the parameters investigated include civic action and engagement, social competence, and life satisfaction. It also includes trust and tolerance for others, trust in authorities and organizations among others. A clear understanding of the factors mentioned is necessary if one has to various developmental pathways, processes in, and individual. According to the article, one is able to appreciate the fact that when individuals are between the ages of 18 and 25 years old, they become conscious of their actions and assume most roles, which are usually adult in nature. The article precludes that variations exist when young people begin to act in an adult-like manner (Hawkins et al 90).
In this article, the authors provide some literature reviews to support the idea that the factors aforementioned have an effect in determining how young people grow to become responsible adults. This is an indication of positive sociological development, which is expected of any adult. This concept is also supported by a number of theoretical models with the aim of providing a succinct understanding of how the youths can develop positively. The determination of this concept was determined through a research. The article shows that questionnaires were used in the survey with the aim of collecting responses from over 1150 young people aged 19-20 years. Some of the information collected in the questionnaire includes employment status, health, risk-taking propensity, emotional adjustment, and social skills (Hawkins et al 96). The results were then analyzed (CFA) using SPSS in a two-stage procedure and conclusion drawn from the results.
My choice for this article is warranted because of a number of reasons. First, the topic addressed is relevant to the area that I would wish to carry out a research on. This article has carried out an extensive research on factors that correlate to the positive sociological development of an individual. By using this article therefore, I will be in a position to easily identify the parameters that are relevant to my topic (Hawkins et al 97). Additionally, the article provides some background information and literature review relating to the topic. This therefore, validates my intention of using this article in expanding my knowledge in sociological development research. Lastly, I would use the article because it expands my knowledge in how data is collected and analyzed before concrete conclusions are drawn from the research. The article also provides a conclusion about the research that was carried out. This procedure must be done in any type of study.
Work cited
Hawkins, Mary, Letcher Primose, Sanson Ann, Smart Diana, and Toumbourou John. Positive
Development in Emerging Adulthood. Australian Journal of Psychology, 2009, 61(2):
pp. 89-99
