Future orientation: a construct with implications for adolescent health and wellbeing

Abstract

Multi-disciplinary research has supported a relationship between adolescent future orientation (the ability to set future goals and plans) and positive adolescent health and development outcomes. Many preventive strategies-for example contracepting, exercising-are based on taking actions in the present to avoid unwanted or negative future consequences. However, research has been hampered by unclear and often divergent conceptualizations of the future orientation construct. The present paper aims to integrate previous conceptual and operational definitions into a conceptual framework that can inform programs and services for youth and efforts to evaluate future orientation as a target for intervention. Recommendations focus on furthering the study of the construct through measurement synthesis as well as studies of the normative development of future orientation. Also suggested is the need to pair environmental intervention strategies with individual level efforts to improve future orientation in order to maximize benefits.

Different Shades of Beauty: Adolescents’ Perspectives on Drawing From Observation

“…In some cases, however, when social connectedness is achieved through increased social media engagement, this connectedness might lead to feelings of isolation and depression (Best et al, 2014). Finally, future orientation -that is, having a positive vision of a future "possible" self -can influence the present well-being of adolescents (Johnson et al, 2014). These factors are influenced by adolescents' sense of identity and the amount of acceptance they feel that their emerging identity might receive from others (Barak and Barak, 2019).…”

Youth‐led activities associated with positive competence changes in a community‐based program for adolescents

“…Patterns with positive competence changes were also expected for those who performed creative and volunteering activities, which have been linked with higher reports of initiative, positive relationships, and social capital (Vysniauskyte‐Rimkiene & Matuleviciute, ). Finally, we also predicted positive results for those performing leisure activities that required planned meetings that mobilized community resources, because the ability to set future goals and plans has been related to positive developmental outcomes (Johnson, Blum, & Cheng, ).…”

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow up? Career Aspirations as a Marker for Adolescent Well-being

“…Adolescence is a critical time for identity formation, during which poor self-concept, 3 a lack of positive goals for the future, 4 and hopelessness 5 are significant risk factors for adverse health behaviors. Career aspirations may reflect an adolescent’s emerging identity or values.…”