Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2005

Abstract

This is an empirical research study exploring how adolescent youth can develop into transformational leaders. It investigates the question whether adolescent children through proper parenting practices develop specific leadership capabilities. It is argued that certain parent-child interactions promote adolescent psychological autonomy and mastery-orientation, and that these interactions lead to the development of leadership qualities similar to those found in the literature of the adult transformational leader. Through the use of specific measurement survey instruments, data from adolescent boys and a few girls was collected and analyzed. The results obtained help explain the possible interactions between parenting and leadership development in adolescents. We discovered that a positive relationship exists between authoritative parenting practices, psychological autonomy, mastery-orientation, and the development of specific behavioral and cognitive aspects of transformational leadership. Research needs to be continued in this area, examining other potential factors that may influence adolescents to become leaders. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the development of effective adolescent leadership development programs, positive parenting practices, and advances the knowledge in the area of leadership studies, and applied and developmental psychology as it applies to children and adolescents.

Keywords

leadership, youth development

Rights

© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

Department/Center

Design & Innovation

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