Developmentally Appropriate Practice to Promote Healthy Adolescent Development: Integrating Research and Practice

Background Intervention models to promote healthy adolescent development highlight the importance of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP); however, scant resources identifying DAP in relation to the relevant research are available. With the increased professionalization of youth work and the expanding research on adolescent development, more comprehensive, research-based resources are needed for the education and training of persons working to enhance youth outcomes. Objective To review research on adolescent development highlighting the relation of research and practice in promoting healthy youth outcomes through DAP across the developmental stages of adolescence. Methods A two pronged review of the adolescent literature was conducted: (1) Research with a focus on biological, cognitive, and social outcomes by age (9-11, 12-14, 15-17, and 18-19) and (2) Literature reviewing DAP strategies. Results An overview of biological, cognitive, and social developmental outcomes by adolescent age group highlights the breadth of development that occurs across adolescence. These outcomes are then related to examples of DAP, speaking to the range of skills required by adults engaged in promoting healthy youth outcomes. Conclusion We conclude by exploring future directions to expand our understanding and application of adolescent research with an emphasis on the incorporation of DAP in the development, implementation, and evaluation of youth work.