Rules of Disengagement: Negative Relationships and Interactions Between Adults and Youth Article

Buehler, K, Sánchez, B, Vaclavik, D et al. (2020). Rules of Disengagement: Negative Relationships and Interactions Between Adults and Youth . YOUTH & SOCIETY, 52(6), 1033-1056. 10.1177/0044118X18793157

cited authors

  • Buehler, K; Sánchez, B; Vaclavik, D; Rodriguez, E; Gray, T

authors

abstract

  • This study examined the negative adult characteristics and practices that prohibit connection between youth and nonparental adults. Racially/ethnically diverse youth from five community-based out-of-school-time programs participated in focus groups on youth–adult relationships. Analyses revealed that the following adult characteristics and practices prohibited connection: (a) unengaging communication styles, (b) inappropriate behavior, (c) lack of respect, (d) contradictory expectations, and (e) adult-driven approaches. Participants also reported the negative psychological consequences of these practices: (a) decreased self-esteem, (b) decreased motivation, and (c) disconnect from adults. This study provides a unique contribution to the literature on negative youth–adult interactions and has implications for training programs for adults who work with youth to improve relationships and promote positive youth outcomes.

publication date

  • September 1, 2020

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 1033

end page

  • 1056

volume

  • 52

issue

  • 6