CULTURE WATCH: Teens and role models Print
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Wednesday, 16 March 2011 10:47 AM America/New_York

 A study conducted by Barna Group offers some encouragement to those concerned about who teenagers look to as role models. When asked who they most admired other than their parents, 37% of the 13- to 17-year-olds questioned said another family member—a grandparent, sister, brother, cousin, aunt or uncle.

After “family,” the teens mentioned teachers and coaches (11%), friends (9%), and pastors or other religious leaders they know personally (6%). Entertainers—including musicians and actors—were named by 6% of teens, followed by sports heroes (5%) and political and faith leaders (4% each). Then came business leaders, authors, science and medical professionals, other artists and members of the military (1% each).

The most common reason for choosing their role models (26%) was the personality traits of that person, with caring about others, being loving and polite, being courageous and being fun among the characteristics mentioned most often. Another factor was finding someone to emulate (22%) or that the teen would like to “follow in the footsteps” of their chosen role model.

Faith leaders received recognition because of their strong spiritual convictions, their moral lifestyles and because the teen hopes to pattern their lives after these leaders. Coaches and teachers also made the grade because teens hope to follow their lifestyles and because of the encouragement coaches and educators dole out.

“For better and worse, teens are emulating the people they know best,” commented Barna Group President David Kinnaman. “Many parents and youth workers fret about the role models of the next generation. Yet, one reason to remain hopeful about the development of young people is their reliance upon the people they know best: friends, relatives, teachers, pastors and coaches.

“At the same time, that reality underscores the insistence of many parents that they influence the people with whom their child associates, in order to be sure that their kids are surrounded by people modeling positive values and life choices.” 

Source: Barna Group

Click here to read the full report.