Negative Impact of Part-Time Work on Adolescent Adjustment: Evidence From a Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Researchers disagree over whether negative correlates of extensive part-time employment during adolescence are consequences of working or are due to differential selection into the labor force. This study examines the over-time relation between school-year employment and adjustment in a heterogeneous sample of approximately 1,800 high school sophomores and juniors. Analyses indicate both significant selection effects and negative consequences of employment. Before working, adolescents who later work more than 20 hr per week are less engaged in school and are granted more autonomy by their parents. However, taking on a job for more than 20 hr per week further disengages youngsters from school, increases delinquency and drug use, furthers autonomy from parents, and diminishes self-reliance. Leaving the labor force after working long hours leads to improved school performance but does not reverse the other negative effects.