The Need for Researchers on Adolescence to Come Together

The Journal of Research on Adolescence has a piece co-authored by Michael Conn, Ph.D.
Vice President, Research, Girl Scout Research Institute, about the need for researchers on adolescence to come together. The article illustrates that nonprofit research and evaluation is typically carried out in settings where real change is happening, which presents an opportunity for academics and nonprofit researchers to come together to do translational research that results in application and integration scholarship. Researchers in nonprofit youth organizations envision translational research operating in a two-way relationship: nonprofit researchers benefiting greatly from the conceptual substance and methodological rigor of the academic approach and academics gaining insights into relevant issues, access to settings and audiences, and away to influence practice by applying developmental science through collaborations with the nonprofit field.
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Now that research and evaluation have become prominent within nonprofit organizations, intellectual and institutional structures are developing that provide the basis for ongoing, productive collaboration among nonprofit and academic researchers.

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Girl Scouting underwent an intensive strategy development process during 2004 – 2006 and reaffirmed its nearly century-long commitment to promoting girl leadership development through its program and policy efforts. Coming out of this intensive process, Girl Scouting carefully identified 15 program outcomes linked to girl leadership development, based on a comprehensive review of the youth leadership, girl leadership, and positive youth development literature. One of the conclusions of this review was that a ‘‘gender lens’’ had not yet been applied sufficiently in the youth leadership research to understand specifically how girl leadership development can best occur. At various points in the process, academic researchers were also drawn in to comment and advise on the development of the program model, on the conceptual clarity of the outcomes and their connection to previous research,and on the age appropriateness of various indicators and measures.

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Definitely read the entire article for a thought provoking look into the state of collaborative research in the nonprofit world. You can purchase online access to this Article for a 24-hour period (price varies by title) here.

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Multidisciplinary and international in scope, the Journal of Research on Adolescence significantly advances knowledge in the field of adolescent research. Employing a diverse array of methodologies, this compelling journal publishes original research and integrative reviews of the highest level of scholarship. Featured studies include both quantitative and qualitative methodologies applied to cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development and behavior. Articles pertinent to the variety of developmental patterns inherent throughout adolescence are featured, including cross-national and cross-cultural studies. Attention is given to normative patterns of behavior as well as individual differences rooted in personal or social and cultural factors.

Webinar Alert! Trends in Teen Communication and Social Media Use

Join us this Wednesday, February 9, for "Trends in Teen Communication and Social Media Use: What’s Really Going On Here?" -presented by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project and the Girl Scout Research Institute. Register here!

Online social networking is indispensable to young people today, but what do we really know about their communication patterns and online lives? What are their preferred technologies for staying in touch and how are they representing themselves on sites such as Facebook and MySpace?

For instance, did you know:

• Ninety-three percent of teens use the Internet, and more than three-quarters of these teens use social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace?
• Girls tend to downplay several positive characteristics of themselves online, like their smartness, kindness, and efforts to be a good influence?
• Fully 92% of girls would give up all their social networking friends to keep their best in-person?

Join us for an informative webinar with experts from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project and the Girl Scout Research Institute. You’ll hear research findings from two new studies that address the above questions and much more! To register for this free event, please click here. Late last year, The Girl Scout Research Institute’s new study titled "Who's That Girl? Image and Social Media", continues to gained significant media traction including articles in Live Science, WebMD, Technorati, Ms. Magazine, Lemondrop, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Mom Logic, Medicinenet and many more.

The nationwide survey, which included more than 1,000 girls ages 14 through 17, finds that girls downplay several positive characteristics of themselves online, most prominently their intelligence, kindness and efforts to be a positive influence. In person, girls say they come across as smart (82 percent), kind (76 percent) and a good influence (59 percent), whereas online, girls consider themselves fun (54 percent), funny (52 percent) and social (48 percent). Girls with low self-esteem are more likely to admit their social networking image does not match their in-person image (33 percent vs. 18 percent of girls with high self-esteem) and are also more likely to claim that the image they portray online is sexy (22 percent vs. 14 percent) and crazy (35 percent vs. 28 percent).

Meet the Philanthro-teens

Crain's New York takes a fascinating look into modern kids who are raising the bar on giving with Facebook fundraisers and even forming even their own foundations. Meet the teen philanthropists. Armed with new technology and an awareness of global issues, post-Millennials are engaging in social entrepreneurship in previously unimaginable ways. Though still materialistic, these teens and even preteens want to do something more significant than acquire the latest i-Pod Touch or Wii. In the past year, 79% of girls in the United States have contributed food or clothing, 53% have given their own money, and 66% have asked family or friends to give or volunteer, according to research commissioned by the United Nations Foundation.

Today's teens also plan to be generous when they get older. More than 75% say they will regularly give to charity, versus 63% in 1989, according to a nationwide survey by the Girl Scout Research Institute of 3,263 students in grades three through 12. Good Intentions: The Beliefs and Values of Teens and Tweens Today (2009), a national study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in partnership with Harris Interactive explores what youth today value and how they go about making decisions, based on research conducted with 3,263 3rd to 12th-graders from around the country.

Among the findings is another refreshing point - the data shows that youth today value diversity. Among seventh to twelfth graders, nearly six in ten (59 percent) say that being around people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds is important to them. This appears to be particularly important to girls (63 percent versus 55 percent of boys) and youth from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Do you think teens today are more philanthropic than generations past?

Who's That Girl? New Findings About Girls Online From The Girl Scout Research Institute

The increased exposure to social media puts teenage girls in a confusing situation where a girl’s image is not always what it seems, as nearly 74 percent of girls believe other girls their age use social networking sites to make themselves “cooler than they really are,” according to a national survey, Who's That Girl: Self Image in the 21st Century, released by Girl Scouts of the USA.

The nationwide survey, which included more than 1,000 girls ages 14 through 17, finds that girls downplay several positive characteristics of themselves online, most prominently their intelligence, kindness and efforts to be a positive influence. In person, girls say they come across as smart (82 percent), kind (76 percent) and a good influence (59 percent), whereas online, girls consider themselves fun (54 percent), funny (52 percent) and social (48 percent). Girls with low self-esteem are more likely to admit their social networking image does not match their in-person image (33 percent vs. 18 percent of girls with high self-esteem) and are also more likely to claim that the image they portray online is sexy (22 percent vs. 14 percent) and crazy (35 percent vs. 28 percent). According to Kimberlee Salmond, senior researcher at the Girl Scout Research Institute:

“Adults and teens alike need greater understanding about the ways girls
represent themselves and communicate on social networking sites... If girls are
portraying themselves differently online than they are in person, this can
impact their identity, sense of self and relationships.”

The Girl Scout survey also sheds light on the fact that a majority of girls understand their emotional safety and reputations are at risk online, yet 50 percent admit to not always being as careful as they should be online. Sixty-eight percent of girls have had a negative experience on a social networking site, such as having someone gossip about them or being bullied. Furthermore, many girls are concerned that they won’t get into their college of choice (42 percent), will miss a job opportunity (40 percent) and will get into trouble with parents and teachers (40 percent).

In contrast, the vast majority of girls prefer face-to-face communication. Ninety-two percent would give up all of their social networking friends if it meant keeping their best friend. The study also finds that social networking provides an avenue for girls to maintain better relationships and feel more connected to causes they care about. Fifty-six percent of girls agree that social networking helps them feel closer to their friends, and 36 percent think that social networks have increased the quality of their relationships. Fifty-two percent of girls have gotten involved in a cause they care about through a social network.

Do you have thoughts about the online lives of teenage girls?

Join the Party! Girl Scout Research is Turning Ten!

Excellent news! The Girl Scout Research Institute is celebrating its 10th Anniversary tomorrow, November, 4, with an exciting event "Who's that Girl? Self-Image in the 21st Century". This event will take place in New York City but we hope that you will join us via Ustream at 6:30pm eastern when the panel begins. At the event, we will be releasing new findings from a new study on girls and social media, including this refreshing statistic:

"92 percent of girls would give up all of their social networking friends if it meant
keeping their best friend." - Girl Scout Research Institute, 2010

On the Ustream, guests will be hearing from a panel of adult and girl culture experts including Emme, supermodel and founder, Body Image Council, Maya Enista, CEO, mobilize.org, Gabi Gregg, MTV Twitter Jockey, Peggy Orenstein, Contributing Writer, New York Times Magazine; and Janie Victoria Ward, professor of education, Simmons College. We will also hear from a panel of girls from the New York City area. We hope you will join us and find out what girls really think about online life!

Share this Ustream link with friends: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/whosthatgirl

Join Us for Beauty Redefined : The Future of Girls' Body Image, Health and Media

Attention Everyone! Take some time on Wednesday, June 9, to participate in a Webinar with The Girl Scout Research Institute on the state of girls' body image, health and media - Register here. The discussion of these issues will be based in research, program and policy efforts led by Girl Scouts of the USA. Highlighted work will include a recent survey by the Girl Scout Research Institute about girls' body image and the fashion industry as well as national findings on girls health. In addition we will discuss an exciting new piece of legislation initiated by Girl Scouts - the Healthy Media for Youth Act as well as new programming on girls and self-esteem.

One major point of discussion will be childhood obesity. The childhood obesity epidemic has caused girls to be caught in a double bind - on one end they hear that children are overweight today and that is unhealthy and unattractive - on the other end of the spectrum they see images of girls and women who are super-thin and over - sexualized. What is healthy? As a result girls are left feeling confused and not knowing what or who to believe. We know from girls though that their definition of health and body image are linked. They see connections between physical and emotional health that adults often miss. For example, for girls, being healthy means feeling good about yourself, your body, having friends and family support.

The webinar will be hosted by The National Collaboration for Youth - a coalition of national organizations committed to advocating with and on behalf of youth and, in particular, in research-driven "positive youth development". Not only is Girl Scouts of the USA a member of The National Collaboration for Youth - Kathy Cloninger, our CEO, is the Chair of the National Collaboration for Youth’s board for the next year.

Definitely register here, and in the meantime - Imagine a world where girls' energy went to changing the world rather than aspiring to look like fashion models.

GSRI Study Draws Diverse Coverage

As previously reported, The Girl Scout Research Institute released its latest study, Good Intentions: The Beliefs and Values of Teens and Tweens, on December 2. I'm happy now to show off some great coverage the findings have gotten all over the country. Some of that coverage includes local newspapers such as the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey, which interviewed GSUSA's own Kimberlee Salmond. A choice quote:

"There's clearly a generational change taking place," said Kimberlee Salmond, senior researcher at the Girl Scout Research Institute and lead author of the study. "These young people strongly value diversity, acceptance and civic involvement, and almost across the board they're more committed to these values than their predecessors were 20 years ago."

Next, head over to NBC Channel 13 WREX-TV in Rockford, IL, and check out some recent Good Intentions TV coverage. Also around the country, a number of councils have blogged about the study. Anna Maria Chávez, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, used her blog on the San Antonio Express-News to discuss the study. In it she states that,

"...while many youth have good intentions about making responsible choices, they
need help connecting these desires to action. It is our responsibility to help youth actualize their intentions and keep them focused on their goals, to support youth by discussing with them their decision-making process rather than placing judgment, to treat their personal struggles with respect, and to value their voices by asking questions about their lives and engaging them on issues that matter to them..."

More great blog work in Texas - Etta Moore, Chief Executive Office of Central Texas, blogged about the study on the website for the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. In her posting, Moore relates the findings to some fantastic Girl Scout initiatives:

"The Forever Green project we are piloting allows girls to take lead on environmental projects and initiate a sustainable change in our communities. The Girl Advocacy Network helps girls learn how to impact laws at the local, state and national level. And last but not least, the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards provide project road maps for girls to make the world a better place through a cause of their choice."

If you see any Good Intentions stories popping up in your communities, let us know!

Girl Scouts Releases New Study on Youth and Ethics

The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) has just released its latest study, Good Intentions: The Beliefs and Values of Teens and Tweens Today. It’s a fascinating look at how young peoples’ beliefs and values on a range of issues from lying and cheating to drinking and smoking have changed over the last 20 years. The study is nearly identical to one Girl Scouts commissioned in 1989, and a comparison of the two shows a marked shift toward more ethical and responsible beliefs and values among teens and tweens.

Nearly two out of three young people (62 percent) surveyed in 2009, for example, say they would not cheat on a test compared to about half in 1989. Fifty-eight percent say they would refuse an alcoholic drink if offered one at a party. That’s compared to fewer than half (46 percent) in 1989. And only 18 percent say they believe smoking is acceptable if a person finds it enjoyable. In 1989, more than a quarter of those surveyed thought smoking was acceptable.
And teens today appear to be quite tolerant of others and more civic-minded. Compared to 20 years ago, youth today are more likely to say they intend to vote in the future (84 percent vs. 77 percent), as well as give to charity (76 percent vs. 63 percent). Some 79 percent say they will volunteer in their communities. Make sure you check out the full study, and be sure to share your thoughts with us. Does this study reflect the attitudes and behaviors or girls in your communities?

What Does Good Health Mean to Girls

Head over to The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation website to read a very insightful blog post penned by GSUSA's very own Laurie Westley - Senior Vice President of Public Policy/Advocacy and the Research Institute. In the post, titled "What does ‘good health’ mean to girls?", Westley states and asks:

"America’s health starts with healthy children, but what does “good health” mean to kids? To understand children’s attitudes about health – and to ensure that our programs to reach them hit their mark – we must expand the conversation about improving America’s health to include these new voices. At Girl Scouts of the USA, we’re working to bring an important perspective to the table: we know what works for girls."

More so, Westley offers insight into what health means to girls:

"Girls view health holistically, which means they place the same or even greater
emphasis on emotional and social health as physical health. Therefore, any plan
that strictly focuses on physical health could miss the mark with girls. For
example, physical activity needs to be given social relevance; it should be
promoted and taught in ways that are meaningful to girls. By emphasizing the
emotional and social benefits of physical activity, we will help girls recognize
how exercise affects the things they care about, such as their body image,
friendships, and confidence in their abilities."

That sounds on the mark to me! Make sure you read the entire post and while you're at it -share with us your thoughts on the matter. What does good health mean to the girls in your community?