Unlocking Adolescents’ Potential: The Research Behind EAP’s Approach
At the Elevate Adolescence Program (EAP), we are driven by a mission to empower youth with the tools to navigate today’s complex world. But what makes our approach unique?
It’s our commitment to evidence-based, research-driven methodologies that address the specific developmental needs of boys and girls.
The Science of Adolescent Development: Informing EAP’s Curriculum
EAP’s approach is built on a foundation of research into adolescent psychology and social behavior. Studies have shown that adolescence is a period of profound brain development and identity formation. This insight informs our gender-specific programs, Girls Rising Strong and Boys Breaking Through, which are tailored to the unique developmental trajectories of boys and girls.
Identity Formation & Self-Concept: According to Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, adolescence is the stage where individuals begin forming their identities. This phase, known as identity versus role confusion, is marked by a search for a sense of self. According to experts adolescents with a well-formed identity are more resilient and better equipped to handle life’s challenges (Schwartz, Zamboanga, & Weisskirch, 2008). The insight informs the EAP’s programs’ approach, emphasizing self-awareness and personal reflection to guide adolescents in establishing a secure sense of identity.
Resilience in the Face of Modern Challenges: Resilience, or the ability to adapt in the face of adversity, is increasingly important for today’s youth. There are many studies from the American Psychological Association (APA) that highlight that adolescents with strong resilience skills are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, even when they face significant life stressors (APA, 2015). Helping adolescents to become resilient and feel resilient is one of the pillars at EAP. It integrates resilience-building activities into its curriculum, helping adolescents manage stress, navigate peer relationships, and overcome obstacles in a healthy manner.
Impact of Screen Time on Mental Health: The rise of screen time among adolescents is a growing concern, with studies linking excessive screen usage to mental health issues like anxiety, sleep disruption, and lowered self-esteem (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). The 2021 Common Sense Media report reveals that tweens spend an average of nearly five hours per day on screens, which can displace essential activities like physical exercise, sleep, and face-to-face socialization. This issue has worried many parents across boundaries. EAP addresses this by incorporating media literacy and critical thinking activities to help adolescents develop healthier relationships with technology.
Developmental Insights: Tailoring EAP’s Approach to Boys and Girls
The Elevate Adolescence Program recognizes that the developmental paths of boys and girls vary significantly, especially during adolescence. These differences shape our tailored, gender-specific programs to ensure maximum engagement and support.
The Unique Path of Adolescent Girls: Adolescent girls often experience heightened social awareness. This makes them more susceptible to peer influence and social comparison. Research by Dr. Leonard Sax shows that adolescent girls today face a “crisis of identity,” which is amplified by social media and cultural pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, body images, and social expectations (Girls on the Edge, Sax, 2010). EAP’s Girls Rising Strong program counters this by promoting self-compassion, building resilience, and virtuous character development. These tools help girls foster a positive self-image that is grounded in character rather than external validation.
Engagement and Motivation Among Boys: Boys, conversely, tend to respond better to kinesthetic learning and physical engagement. According to the National Institute of Mental Health’s studies, boys develop prefrontal brain regions, responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation, later than girls (NIMH, 2011). This can lead to challenges in traditional academic settings, which often emphasize sedentary learning. Similarly, in Boys Adrift, Sax highlights how boys are increasingly drawn to digital escapism, such as video games, as a coping mechanism. EAP’s Boys Breaking Through program leverages these developmental insights by incorporating hands-on activities, physical challenges, and leadership exercises that channel energy into positive outlets. It aims to foster accountability, emotional intelligence, and healthy expressions of masculinity.
Developmental Timing and Emotional Growth: Research has found that gender differences in emotional development are most prominent during early adolescence but diminish as teens approach adulthood (Zahn-Waxler et al., 2008). Recognizing this, EAP’s programs are designed to align with these developmental windows, offering support that is most impactful during critical stages.
Why EAP’s Approach Matters By grounding our curriculum in science, EAP ensures that our methods are both effective and relevant to the needs of modern adolescents. We don’t just teach kids how to excel academically; we prepare them for life’s challenges by focusing on character development, resilience and leadership. A Harvard Graduate School of Education study (2022) found that students who participate in Social-Emotional Learning and Intelligence programs like ours are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and lead fulfilling lives.
We believe that by meeting adolescents where they are developmentally, we can empower them to become self-aware, resilient, and compassionate individuals.
Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive and Character-Centric Approach—This is the Fundamental Reason EAP Takes the Lead.
As adolescents face increasing pressures, programs like EAP are essential for helping them find their footing. By focusing on the unique developmental needs of boys and girls, we provide a safe, structured environment where they can grow into compassionate, resilient leaders.
References:
American Psychological Association (2015). The Road to Resilience. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org.
Common Sense Media (2021). The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org.
Sax, L. (2010). Girls on the Edge: The Four Factors Driving the New Crisis for Girls. Basic Books.
Schwartz, S. J., Zamboanga, B. L., & Weisskirch, R. S. (2008). Dimensions of identity formation in emerging adulthood. Journal of Adolescence, 31(5), 853-875.
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271–283.
Zahn-Waxler, C., Shirtcliff, E. A., & Marceau, K. (2008). Disorders of childhood and adolescence: Gender and psychopathology. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 4, 275-303.
“In a world obsessed with achievements, have we forgotten that CHARACTER is what truly sustains us?”
Virtuous Character Development: The Cornerstone of EAP’s Curriculum
At the Elevate Adolescence Program (EAP), we believe that true success goes beyond academic achievements or accolades. Our focus is on cultivating Virtuous Character as the cornerstone of our curriculum, ensuring that adolescents are equipped not just to excel in school but to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. EAP empowers young people to navigate life’s challenges with purpose and confidence by fostering inner strengths, integrity, and resilience.
The Research Behind Our Approach: Martin Seligman’s Framework
Our curriculum is deeply rooted in the research of Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the leading figures in positive psychology. Seligman’s research highlights the importance of character in achieving a flourishing life. According to Seligman, there are Six Core Virtues that are universally valued across cultures and religions alike: Wisdom and Knowledge, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence. These virtues form the foundation of EAP’s character and development program.
However, virtues alone are not enough, Seligman identifies 24 Character Strengths as the “routes” through which these virtues are expressed in our daily lives. These strengths are moral traits that can be learned, developed and honed through consistent effort. Unlike innate talents, which are often viewed as natural gifts, strengths require deliberate cultivation. They are what allow us to embody virtuous actions and decisions. This perception serves as the heart of EAP where adolescents are taught these virtues with deliberation.
The SIx Virtues and Their Associated Strengths.
At EAP, we integrate Seligman’s character strengths into our curriculum to help adolescents internalize these virtues in practical, real-world contexts.
Wisdom & Knowledge
Strengths: Creativity, Curiosity, Judgment, Love of learning and Perspective: Adolescents are encouraged to think critically, explore new ideas and reflect on their experiences throughout the program. For example, activities like journaling and group discussion help students develop the habit of lifelong learning.
Courage
Strengths: Bravery, Perseverance, Honesty, Zest: We teach students to face fears, overcome challenges, and remain true to their values. Courage is developed through exercises that require stepping outside of comfort zones, such as public speaking and leadership roles.
Humanity
Strengths: Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence: Building empathy and nurturing healthy relationships are the core of our program. Through collaborative projects and service learning, students practice kindness and develop deeper social connections.
Justice
Strengths: Teamwork, Fairness and Leadership: EAP emphasizes the importance of being fair, inclusive and responsible. Leadership activities and team-based challenges foster a sense of accountability and ethical decision-making.
Temperance
Strengths: Forgiveness, Humility, Prudence, Self-Regulation: Adolescents learn the value of self-control, patience, and moderation. Techniques like mindfulness exercises and conflict resolution workshops help students practice temperance in their everyday interactions.
Transcendence
Strengths: Appreciation of Beauty, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, and Spirituality: At EAP, students are inspired to find meaning beyond themselves, whether through reflective practices, gratitude journaling, or exploring their sense of purpose. This helps them maintain optimism and hope, even in challenging times.
From Theory to Practice: Bringing Character Strengths to Life at EAP
At EAP, our curriculum is not just about imparting knowledge but about shaping character. Each session incorporates activities designed to help adolescents recognize and develop these strengths in practical, and in engaging ways:
Self-Reflections Exercises: Encouraging students to identify their strengths and areas of growth.
Role-Playing Scenarios: Helping adolescents navigate real-life dilemmas using character strengths like empathy, courage, and fairness.
Community Services Projects: Providing hands-on opportunities to practice kindness, teamwork, and leadership.
By focusing on the development of these 24 character strengths, we help learners not only achieve academic success but also build a foundation for a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and positive relationships.
A Cornerstone for Lifelong Success
According to Seligman, developing these strengths leads to greater well-being, life satisfaction, and overall happiness. Adolescents who cultivate these character strengths are more likely to:
Form strong, healthy relationships.
Cope with stress and adversity with resilience.
Make ethical decisions and act with integrity.
Experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
At EAP, we are dedicated to helping every adolescent discover their unique strengths, guiding them to live a life filled with purpose, joy, and compassion.
Join Us in Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Our focus on virtuous character development is not just about academic success; it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals who will make a positive impact on the world. Discover how EAP can help your child thrive—both now and in the future.
