Supportive adults in the lives of Irish and Croatian youth: A qualitative contextual exploration
Mirković, Barbara
Mirković, Barbara
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Publication Date
2023-06-19
Type
Thesis
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Abstract
This thesis reflects on young people's relationship with supportive adults whom they see as close and important in their lives. Supportive adults, also referred to as natural mentors, are defined as non-parental adults who provide support and guidance in young people's daily lives as part of their social environment. Theory suggests that youth who have a supportive system of resources and supports which align with their needs, strengths, and interests, are more likely to be on a positive developmental trajectory (Varga & Zaff, 2017). Non-parental supportive adults have been included as one of the most important assets in a youth's system and have been linked to positive youth development (Bowers et al., 2015; Sullimani Aidan, 2018). The Webs of Support framework (Varga & Zaff, 2017) considers various adults and peer roles that provide different types of social support and social capital, and recognises youth agency in creating their networks. Not much is known about these relationships with informal supportive adults and their role in youth ecosystems, particularly in the European context. This qualitative study includes 26 interviews with youth aged 15 to 17 in Croatia and Ireland who have a relationship with one or more supportive adults. In addition, a youth advisory group was included in each country. The methodology used is Framework Analysis (Ritchie & Spencer, 1994). The study explores who young people have in their support networks, which adults from their families and communities they consider important, and the characteristics, processes, and functions of these relationships. The relationships are placed in the context of youths' larger networks and in the broader context of the cultural environment and time in which they take place. The study supports further exploration of processes in young people's supportive relationships and their broader networks.
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Publisher
NUI Galway