Which of the following statements about adolescent employment is supported by research?

• A. Moderate work hours during adolescence are associated with better academic performance and psychological well-being.
• B. Adolescent employment consistently leads to higher self-esteem and improved family relationships.
• C. Most adolescents who work part-time experience no impact on their school engagement or substance use.
• D. Working more than 20 hours per week during adolescence is linked to increased risk of academic problems and psychological distress.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of adolescent employment and its potential effects on academic performance and psychological well-being. Research in developmental psychology often examines how work hours impact adolescents' lives.
2. Step 2: Recognize that moderate work hours (usually fewer than 20 hours per week) are generally found to be either neutral or sometimes beneficial for adolescents, supporting better time management and responsibility without overwhelming them.
3. Step 3: Identify that working more than 20 hours per week is linked by research to negative outcomes, such as increased academic problems and psychological distress, due to the excessive time commitment interfering with school and social activities.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the statements by comparing them to empirical findings: statements claiming consistent positive effects or no impact are less supported, while the statement about risks associated with working over 20 hours aligns with research evidence.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the research-supported statement is that working more than 20 hours per week during adolescence is linked to increased risk of academic problems and psychological distress, highlighting the importance of balancing work and school commitments.