Teens Look Up To Those They Know

When parents are taken out of the equation, more than one third of teens (37%) cite another relative as the person they admire most, according to The Barna Group, a research organization that focuses on cultural trends related to spirituality and religion. This is typically a grandparent, sibling, cousin, aunt, or uncle. The survey specifically excluded parents since they tend to be the automatic response.

Teens also look up to teachers and coaches (11%), friends (9%), entertainers/celebrities (6%) and religious leaders they know personally (6%). They are less inclined to admire doctors, military members, and authors (1% each).

The main reasons teens admire someone are due to their personality traits (26%), in the hope they can follow in their footsteps (22%), because they admire their accomplishments (13%), and for encouragement (11%). [Human Behavior]

Source: The Barna Group, David Kinnaman, President/Strategic Leader, 1957 Eastman Ave., #B, Ventura, CA 93003; 805-639-0000; admin@barna.org; www.barna.org.

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