A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF ADOLESCENT IDENTITY FORMATION IN A YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

Abstract

Background: There is currently a lack of research on the role of Youth Empowerment Programmes (YEPs) on adolescent identity formation. This is despite the potential of such programmes to facilitate identity formation and the importance of identity formation as an adolescent’s developmental task. Therefore, the present research focuses on studying one YEP in Singapore, “Youth COP (Community Outreach Patrol)”. Objectives: There are two objectives: 1) to find out the role of Youth COP in adolescent identity formation 2) to find out ways by which Youth COP can have a stronger focus on identity formation Methods: Using a phenomenological design, four former Youth COP clients and two former Youth COP social workers were interviewed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants. Data collection was done via a semi-structured interview crafted by the researcher. Data analysis combined a phenomenological approach with thematic analyses. Findings: Findings showed that Youth COP played multiple roles in adolescent identity formation. They are 1) creating an appealing programme for youths to take on positive identities, 2) supporting the youth through a social worker’s relationship and belief in the youth, 3) providing rules and expectations as part of the programme, and 4) offering leadership and mentoring opportunities. Findings suggested that the ways that Youth COP can have a stronger focus on identity is through 1) working on the youths’ mandate and interest in the programme 2) working on the relevance of the programme to youths in the present context 3) forming better partnerships with stakeholders such as schools and families. Discussion: Findings were largely consistent with current literature and demonstrated Youth COP’s roles in adolescent identity formation. It was established that identity formation in Youth COP should be conceptualized as a process. This is where early phases of the programme, such as the recruitment drive, while not directly leading to adolescent identity formation, were important in setting the stage for identity work to be done. A refined conceptual model that captures this dynamic was proposed. Recommendations for Youth COP to have a stronger focus on identity formation were proposed. These are 1) follow the new conceptual framework 2) enhance skills of social workers in gaining support of different systems 3) shift programme publicity to focus more on connecting with youths’ interests 4) research recommendations. Conclusion: This study highlighted the role of Youth COP in adolescent identity formation and provided recommendations for the programme to have a greater focus on it.