Design and Validation of the «Adolescents’ Readiness for Independent Living» Questionnaire: Assessment and Development of Life Skills

3617

Abstract

Designing a model of autonomy development for adolescents is an important aspect of the research. The article describes the process of Designing and validating the «Adolescents’ Readiness for Independent Living» questionnaire. The «Adolescents’ Readiness for Independent Living» questionnaire is an adaptation of the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA) Youth 4 — Version 4.0 [32].A distinctive feature of the modified questionnaire is the use of a series of focus groups with adolescents attending residential institutions and the formulation of questions that allow us to measure the independence of adolescents in Russia. The questionnaire is based on the concept of hardiness, according to which life skills promote the socialization of adolescents into the world of «adulthood» and uncertainty. An empirical study assessed adolescents’ readiness for independent living; it was conducted in Moscow and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, with a total sample size of (N = 179) respondents, 76 of them boys, 103 girls, and with an average age of 17 years. Two-factor analysis of variance was used for further analysis. Gender and place of residence (with the family or at boarding school) were taken as independent dichotomous variables. The scores for each scale were the dependent variables. The reliability of the questionnaire was demonstrated, as well as its construct validity and convergent validity. Recommendations are made for researchers working or planning to work with adolescent samples.

General Information

Keywords: uncertainty, adolescence, hardiness, scale of readiness for independent living

Journal rubric: Developmental Psychology

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/pse.2019240104

For citation: Shinina T.V., Mitina O.V. Design and Validation of the «Adolescents’ Readiness for Independent Living» Questionnaire: Assessment and Development of Life Skills. Psikhologicheskaya nauka i obrazovanie = Psychological Science and Education, 2019. Vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 50–68. DOI: 10.17759/pse.2019240104.

A Part of Article

Today’s challenges accentuate the shift in age demarcations and the longer duration of ado­lescence. Adolescents are growing up in new circum­stances, such that adults do not have a clear pic­ture of what teenagers should be like today and what is most important for them to develop in the new landscape of life.

References

  1. Asmolov A.G.Psikhologiya sovremennosti: vyzovy neopredelennosti, slozhnosti i raznoobraziya [Elektronnyi resurs] [Psychology of modernity: challenges of uncertainty, complexity and diversity].Psikhologicheskie issledovaniya [ Psychological research], 2015.Vol.8, no.40, p.1.URL: http:// psystudy.ru (Accessed 08.02.2019).
  2. Asmolov A.G., Shekhter E.D, Chernorizov A.M.Preadaptatsiya k neopredelennosti kak strategiya navigatsii razvivayushchikhsya sistem: marshruty evolyutsii [Preadaptation to uncertainty as a strategy for developing systems navigation: evolutionary paths].Voprosy psikhologii [ Psychology issues], 2017, no.4, pp.3—26.
  3. Belinskaya E.P.Izmenchivost' Ya: krizis identichnosti ili krizis znaniya o nei? [Elektronnyi resurs] [The variability of self: the crisis of identity or the crisis of knowledge about it?].Psikhologicheskie issledovaniya [Psychological research], 2015.Vol.8, no.40, p.12.URL: http://psystudy.ru (Accessed 06.02.2019).
  4. Zinchenko V.P.Tolerantnost' k neopredelennosti: novost' ili psikhologicheskaya traditsiya? [Tolerance for uncertainty: news or psychological tradition?].Voprosy psikhologii [Psychology issues], 2007.no.6, pp.3—20.
  5. Karabanova O.A.Sem'ya kak prostranstvo lichnosti [Family as a space of personality].Mir psikhologii [World of psychology], 2018, no.1 (93), pp.37—45.
  6. Kondrat'ev M.Yu.Sotsial'no-psikhologicheskie osobennosti vzaimootnoshenii podrostkov i pedagogov v usloviyakh detskikh domov i shkol-internatov dlya «sotsial'nykh» i real'nykh sirot [Socio-psychological characteristics of the relationship of adolescents and teachers in orphanages and boarding schools for "social" and real orphans].Sotsial'naya psikhologiya i obshchestvo [ Social psychology and society], 2012, no. 2, pp.143—153.
  7. Kornilova T.V., Chumakova M.A., Kornilov S.A., Novikova M.A.Psikhologiya neopredelennosti: Edinstvo intellektual'no-lichnostnogo potentsiala cheloveka [Psychology of uncertainty: Unity of human intellectual and personal potential].Moscow: Smysl, 2010, 334 p.(In Russ.).
  8. Leont'ev D.A.Lichnostnoe izmerenie chelovecheskogo razvitiya [The personal dimension of human development].Voprosy psikhologii [Psychology issues], 2013, no.3, pp.67—80.
  9. Leont'ev D.A., Mandrikova E.Yu., Rasskazova E.I., Fam A.Kh.Lichnostnyi potentsial v situatsii neopredelennosti i vybora [Personal potential in a situation of uncertainty and choice].Lichnostnyi potentsial: struktura i diagnostika [ Personal potential: structure and diagnosis].In Leont'eva D.A.(ed.).Moscow: Smysl, 2011, pp.511—546.
  10. L'vova E.N., Mitina O.V., Shlyagina E.I.Lichnostnye prediktory sovladayushchego povedeniya v situatsii neopredelennosti [Elektronnyi resurs] [Personal predictors of coping behavior in a situation of uncertainty].Psikhologicheskie issledovaniya [Psychological research], 2015.Vol.8, no.40, p.4.URL: http://psystudy.ru (Accessed 11.02.2019).
  11. Maddi S.Smysloobrazovanie v protsessakh prinyatiya resheniya [Sense formation in decision making processes].Psikhologicheskii zhurnal [ Psychological Journal], 2005, no.26 (6), pp.87—101.
  12. Martsinkovskaya T.D.Teoretiko-metodologicheskie osnovaniya kul'turno-istoricheskoi paradigmy v sovremennom tranzitivnom mire [Theoretical and methodological foundations of the cultural and historical paradigm in the modern transitive world].Sbornik: kul'turno-istoricheskii podkhod ot L.S. Vygotskogo — k XXI veku kollektivnaya monografiya [Collection: cultural and historical approach from LS. Vygotsky — to the XXI century].Moscow: Ministerstvo obrazovaniya i nauki Rossiiskoi Federatsii, FGBOU VO «Rossiiskii gosudarstvennyi gumanitarnyi universitet (RGGU)», 2018, pp.9—22.
  13. Mitina O.V.Razrabotka i adaptatsiya psikhologicheskikh oprosnikov: uchebnoe posobie [Development and adaptation of psychological questionnaires: a tutorial].Moscow: Smysl, 2011, 235 p.(In Russ.).
  14. Mukhina V.S.Psikhologicheskaya i sotsial'naya pomoshch' v trudnykh zhiznennykh situatsiyakh [Psychological and social assistance in difficult life situations].Problemy, obsuzhdaemye na mezhdunarodnom nauchno-prakticheskom simpoziume 23—24 maya 2016 goda, Razvitie lichnosti [ Problems discussed at the International Scientific and Practical Symposium on May 23—24, 2016, Personal Development], 2016, no.3, pp.12—14.
  15. Polivanova K.N., Bochaver A.A., Nisskaya A.K.Vzroslenie pyatiklassnikov: 1960-e vs 2010-e [Fifth-graders grow up: 1960s vs 2010s].Voprosy obrazovaniya [Education issues], 2017, no.2, pp.185— 205.doi: 10.17323/1814-9545-2017-2-185-205
  16. Poskrebysheva N.N., Karabanova O.A.Issledovanie lichnostnoi avtonomii podrostka v kontekste sotsial'noi situatsii razvitiya [The study of the personal autonomy of a teenager in the context of the social situation of development].Natsional'nyi psikhologicheskii zhurnal [National Psychological Journal], 2014, no.4 (16), pp. 34—41.doi: 10.11621/npj.2014.0404
  17. Rubtsova O.V., Panfilova A.S., Smirnova V.K.Issledovanie vzaimosvyazi lichnostnykh osobennostei podrostkov s ikh povedeniem v virtual'nom prostranstve (na primere sotsial'noi seti «VKontakte») [Study of the relationship of personal characteristics of adolescents with their behavior in the virtual space (for example, the social network "VKontakte")].Psikhologicheskaya nauka i obrazovanie [ Psychological Science and Education], 2018.Vol.23, no.3, pp.54—66.doi: 10.17759/pse.2018230305
  18. Samokhvalova A.G.Sotsiokul'turnaya determinatsiya kommunikativnykh trudnostei sovremennykh detei i podrostkov [Elektronnyi resurs] [Socio-cultural determination of the communicative difficulties of modern children and adolescents].Psikhologicheskie issledovaniya [Psychological research], 2017.Vol.10, no.55, p.5.URL: http://psystudy.ru (Accessed 13.02.2019).doi: 10.24411/1813-145X-2018-10253
  19. Soldatova G.U., Rasskazova E.I.«Oborotnaya storona» tsifrovoi kompetentnosti rossiiskikh podrostkov: illyuziya kompetentnosti i riskovannoe povedenie onlain [«The downside» of digital competence of Russian adolescents: the illusion of competence and risky behavior online].Voprosy psikhologii [ Psychology issues], 2017, no.3, pp.3—15.
  20. Tolstykh N.N.Sovremennoe vzroslenie [Modern growing up].Konsul'tativnaya psikhologiya i psikhoterapiya [ Consultative psychology and psychotherapy], 2015, no.4 (88), pp.7—24.doi:10.17759/cpp.2015230402
  21. Shamne A.V.Sotsial'no-psikhologicheskie osobennosti sovremennogo otrochestva (po itogam provedeniya fokus-grupp s uchitelyami) [Elektronnyi resurs] [Socio-psychological characteristics of modern adolescence (following the results of focus groups with teachers)].Psikhologicheskie issledovaniya [Psychological research], 2014.Vol 7, no.35, p.9.URL: http://psystudy.ru (Accessed 05.02.2019).doi: 10.17759/pse.2015200203
  22. Shinina T.V., Mitina O.V.Vliyanie semeinoi sredy na gotovnost' podrostkov k samostoyatel'noi zhizni [The influence of the family environment on teenagers' readiness for independent living].Psikhologicheskie problemy sovremennoi sem'i: sbornik materialov VIII Mezhdunarodnoi nauchno-prakticheskoi konferentsii [Psychological problems of the modern family: a collection of materials VIII International Scientific Practical Conference] In Karabanovoi O.A., Vasyaginoĭ N.N.(ed.).Ekaterinburg: 2018, pp.589—596.
  23. Shinina T.V.Gotovnost' podrostkov k samostoyatel'noi zhizni: resurs v izmenyayushchemsya mire [Willingness of adolescents for independent living: a resource in a changing world].Sotsial'nyi mir cheloveka. Materialy VII Mezhdunarodnoĭenauchno-prakticheskoi konferentsii «Chelovek i mir: mirosozidanie, konflikt i mediatsiya», 5—7 aprelya 2018 goda, g. Izhevsk [The social world of man. Proceedings of the VII International Scientific and Practical Conference «Man and the World: Peacebuilding, Conflict and Mediation»].In Leonova N.I.(ed).Izhevsk: ERGO, 2018, pp.270—273.
  24. Shinina T.V.Osobennosti razvitiya protsessa sotsializatsii detei 5—10 let [Features of the development of the process of socialization of children 5—10 years].Sovremennaya sotsial'naya psikhologiya: teoreticheskie podkhody i prikladnye issledovaniya [Modern social psychology: theoretical approaches and applied research], 2010, no.2, pp.61—71.
  25. Chiksentmikhaii M.Potok: psikhologiya optimal'nogo perezhivaniya [Flow: the psychology of optimal experience].Moscow: Smysl, 2011, 461 p.(In Russ).
  26. Cable D., Lee J.J., Gino F., Staats B.R.How Best- Self Activation Influences Emotions, Physiology and Employment Relationships.SSRN Electronic Journal, 2015, 61 р.doi: 10.2139/ssrn.2662057
  27. Ginzberg E., Ginsburg S.Axelrad S., & Herma J.Occupational choice: An approach to a general theory.New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 1951.VIII, 271 p.
  28. Gottfredson, L.S.Gottfredson’s theory of circumscription and compromise.In D.Brown & L. Brooks (Eds.), Career choice and development: Applying contemporary theories to practice.San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass, 1996, pp.179—232.
  29. Guichard J.Life-long self-construction.International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 2005, pp.111—124.http://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-005- 8789-y
  30. Hartung P.J.Career construction counseling.In A.Di Fabio & K.Maree (Eds.), Psychology of career counseling: New challenges for a new era, 2013, pp. 15—28.
  31. Hartung P.J., Porfeli E.J., & Vondracek F.W.Vocational development in childhood.A review and reconsideration. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 2005.Vol.66, pp.385—419.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2004.05.006
  32. Nollan K.A., Horn M., Downs A.C., Pecora P.J., & Bressani R.V.Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA) and life skills guidebook manual.Seattle, WA: Casey Family Programs, 2001.Vol.41 (8), pp.1442— 1458.doi: 10.1093/bjsw/bcr034
  33. Proulх T., Heine S.J., Vohs K.D.When is the unfamiliar the uncanny? Measuring affirmation after exposure to absurdist literature, humor and art.Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2010.Vol. 36 (6), pp.817— 829.doi: 10.1177/0146167210369896
  34. Savickas M.L.Career construction theory and practice.In S.D.Brown & R.W.Lent (Eds.).Career development and counseling: Putting theory and research to work, 2013.pp.147—183.
  35. Shpiegel S, Cascardi M.Adolescent parents in the first wave of the National Youth in Transition Database.Journal of Public Child Welf, 2015.Vol.9 (3), pp.227— 298.
  36. Stott T.Placement instability and risky behaviors of youth aging-out of foster care.Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 2011.Vol.29 (1), pp.61—83.doi: 10.1007/s10560-011-0247-8
  37. Svoboda D.V., Shaw T.V., Barth R.P., Bright C.L.Pregnancy and parenting among youth in foster care: a review.Children and Youth Services Review, 2012.Vol. 34, pp.867—875.doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.01.023

Information About the Authors

Tatyana V. Shinina, PhD in Psychology, Associate Professor, Department of Neuro- and Pathopsychology, Moscow State University of Psychology & Education, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5572-9104, e-mail: shininatv@mgppu.ru

Olga V. Mitina, PhD in Psychology, Leading Researcher of the Laboratory of Communication Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2237-4404, e-mail: omitina@inbox.ru

Metrics

Views

Total: 4506
Previous month: 49
Current month: 46

Downloads

Total: 3617
Previous month: 32
Current month: 43