Understanding adolescent work in social and behavioral contexts

Abstract

This study investigated the characteristics of adolescents who work and the relationship between intensive work and risky social and behavioral consequences. A sample population of 7392 students in grades 7-12 from six school districts who responded to a survey on the effects of work were used for empirical examination. Results showed that the ideal type teen who work intensively is older, lower or middle SES, male, and a member of an ethnic minority group. Furthermore, intensive employment of teens is linked to lower levels of well-being, less achievement in academics and higher levels of delinquency and substance use.