Cohort Profile: Chengdu Positive Child Development (CPCD) survey.

Abstract

Childhood is a critical developmental stage affecting future health, competence and capacity. According to theories of child development (physical and behavioural development risk process theories), some preventable outcomes include chronic illness, mental illness, obesity, myopia, developmental injury, substance abuse, antisocial behaviour, social alienation and school failure.1,2 Positive Child Development (PCD) is a positive psychological approach which focuses on the growth, cultivation and nurturing of developmental assets, abilities and potentials in children.3,4 It focuses on each child’s unique talents, strengths, interests and potential. It aims to understand children and engage them in productive activities rather than correct or cure for maladaptive tendencies.5 It has been highlighted as potentially supporting better health and social outcomes throughout the life course.6–9 Many US development programmes have shown positive changes in children’s and adolescents’ behaviours (such as interpersonal skills and quality of peer and adult relationships) and significant improvements in problem behaviours (e.g. drug and alcohol use, school misbehaviour).10 Other studies have found similar findings where, for example, children with positive development were more satisfied with life and had fewer problem behaviours.11–14