This paper takes as its starting point two major reviews of young people's psychosocial development and considers the outlook for their future. In the context of growing concern about young people's prospects, it is proposed that one way to harness the vitality of youth and avert psychosocial problems is through the development of adolescent awareness and involvement with matters of social concern. It is proposed that by identifying young people's concerns and the development of their coping skills in relationship to matters that are relevant to them, it is possible to deal with stress, increase self awareness, develop communication skills, and empower young people to become altruistic/prosocial participants in the community.
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