Culturally relevant strengths and positive development in high achieving youth of color

Abstract

Critical reflection and spirituality have been linked to the positive development of high achieving youth of color; however, little research has explored how these strengths function in predicting positive youth development (PYD) across adolescence. In addition, scant research has considered how contextual resources such as mentoring might moderate the impact of these strengths. We examined the relations among these constructs and the five Cs of PYD (competence, confidence, character, caring, and connection) in a sample of 215 youth of color (61.5% female) attending an afterschool college preparation program at six sites around the U.S. Spirituality was the most consistent predictor of PYD outcomes with younger youth benefitting more from greater spirituality. Older youth, however, exhibited greater relations between critical reflection and mentoring with PYD outcomes. When youth reported low levels of mentoring relationship quality, higher critical reflection served as a protective factor for global PYD, character, and connection. Implications for practice are discussed.