Date of Award
4-25-2024
Access Restriction
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Marital and Family Therapy
School or College
College of Communication and Fine Arts
First Advisor
Jessica Bianchi
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical stage of human development, one that can be especially challenging for teens that are navigating certain vulnerabilities in their identity formation. With the World Health Organization stating that 14% of 10–19 year-olds experience mental health conditions, educational environments are increasingly needed to address mental concerns in their curriculums. This qualitative research project used a combination of art based inquiry and narrative analysis to answer the following question, “How can educational environments promote resilience and positive youth development during adolescent identity exploration?” Findings illuminated several emergent themes that culminated in the following four recommendations for educational environments; 1) Integrate opportunities for creative self-expression in general education spaces, 2) Professional development for educators to integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL), 3) Create opportunities for social interactions between students and educators, 4) Create and support opportunities for social interactions between students, and 5) Ensure educational spaces include mental health support for students.
Recommended Citation
Arndt, Heather I.; Larin, Genesis G.; Munguia, Gladis Abigail; Perez, Henry WIlliam; and Preciado, Dianne, "Cultivating Resilience in Adolescence: How Educational Environments Can Support Positive Youth Development During Identity Exploration" (2024). LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations. 1294.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/1294
