A FRESH AND CALCULATED LOOK AT U.S. TEENAGERS: EXAMINING THE PRESENT TO PREDICT THE FUTURE

This paper takes a fresh look at the teenage population in the U.S. In addition to reviewing a series of recent empirical studies on teenagers, the paper presents a straightforward model whereby research findings pertaining to teenagers might be conceptualized and organized. Ultimately, the model may be utilized not only to develop a better understanding of teens, but also to predict their behavior and derive sound economic strategy on behalf of the various organizations and institutions entrusted to serve and support this important segment of the population. The paper considers current cognitions and affect of U.S. teenagers and their parents, as well as current and future teen behavior. As a unique and ever-changing segment of the population, teenagers are socially as well as economically significant, and warrant continued study and contemplation by a variety of public, private, forprofit, and not-for-profit firms, organizations, and/or institutions.