General Positive Youth Development Research Articles

Trend and predictive psychosocial factors of persistent depression/non-depression in Chinese adolescents: A three-year longitudinal study.

Depressive symptoms are common in adolescents, while its prevalence trend in adolescents is seldom reported. In addition, few studies focus on adolescents without depressive symptoms. This study aimed to reveal the trend and predictors of persistent depression/non-depression among Chinese adolescents over three-year period. Three-wave data were collected from T1 to T3 in a sample from six junior high schools in Shenzhen, China. The 20-item of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used, with scoring ≥16 as depression. Of all 1301 adolescents, 33.4%, 15.5% and 9.0% reported depressive symptoms at baseline, T2 and T3 respectively, while 66.6%, 47.7% and 39.6% reported non-depressive symptoms at three time-points. At the individual level, baseline positive identity and general positive youth development significantly increased persistent non-depression at T2 and T3. At the family level, baseline family harmony and communication consistently prevented persistent depression at T2 and T3, while family communication consistently promoted non-depression. At the school level, baseline awareness of no expectation from teacher and poor interpersonal relationship consistently increased persistent depression and prevented non-depression. The incidence of depression in adolescents aged 11-15 is not high. The rate of persistent non-depression is approximately 30% higher than that of persistent depression, and both have a downward trend over years. Positive youth development and healthy family function are protective factors of depression, while school maladjustment decreases persistent non-depression. During early adolescence, more attention should be paid to family function and school maladjustment to promote non-depression in adolescents from a new broader view.

Psychometric validity and measurement invariance of positive youth development in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examined the factor structure and measurement invariance of the competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring (Five Cs) model using the Positive Youth Development (PYD) survey’s short (34 items) and very short versions (17 items). We also tested its criterion-related validity with life satisfaction, flourishing, transcendence, perceived societal and school statuses, and COVID-19 anxiety. In the Philippines, 1,116 senior high school students completed this survey (age: M = 17.61 years; SD = 0.91). The results support the bi-factor model for both formats, which showed varying levels of measurement invariance across gender, SES, and school type. Controlling for the general PYD construct, character and caring (i.e., socio-emotional Cs) showed negative latent factor correlations with competence and confidence (i.e., efficacy-related Cs). Almost all PYD dimensions exhibited expected associations with the criterion-related measures. As the very short version showed low reliability for competence and character, our results support using the 34-item short scale to measure the general and individual dimensions of adolescent thriving.

Positive Youth Development and Adolescent Depression: A Longitudinal Study Based on Mainland Chinese High School Students.

There are several limitations of the scientific literature on the linkage between positive youth development (PYD) attributes and adolescent psychological morbidity. First, longitudinal studies in the field are limited. Second, few studies have used validated PYD measures to explore the related issues. Third, few studies have used large samples. Fourth, limited studies have been conducted in mainland China. In this study, we conducted a longitudinal study using two waves of data collected from 2648 junior high school students in mainland China. In each wave, participants responded to a validated PYD scale (Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale: CPYDS) and other measures of well-being, including the 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). After controlling for the background demographic variables, different measures of CPYDS (cognitive–behavioral competence, prosocial attributes, general positive youth development qualities, positive identity, and overall PYD qualities) were negatively associated with CES-D scores in Wave 1 and Wave 2. Longitudinal analyses also revealed that PYD measures in Wave 1 negatively predicted Wave 2 depression scores and the changes over time. The present findings highlight the protective role of PYD attributes in protecting adolescents from depression.

The Influence of Personal Well-Being on Learning Achievement in University Students Over Time: Mediating or Moderating Effects of Internal and External University Engagement.

The current study examined the relationship between students' personal well-being and their learning achievement during university study, and whether such relationship would be mediated or moderated by university engagement. A total of 434 university students from one public university in Hong Kong participated in the study. The participants completed an online survey consisting of personal well-being (cognitive behavioral competence and general positive youth development), university engagement, and learning achievement measures (personal growth, and accumulated GPA as academic achievement) at four time points with a 1-year interval. Results showed that personal well-being measured at the beginning of university study positively predicted students' personal growth and academic achievement after 3 years' study. While the internal dimensions of university engagement (academic challenge and learning with peers) showed longitudinal significant mediational effect, the external dimensions (experience with faculty and campus environment) did not have significant longitudinal moderating effect. Nevertheless, external dimensions of student engagement also showed direct effect on personal growth and academic achievement. The long-standing positive effects of personal well-being on university engagement and subsequently, learning achievement during university years call for more attention to the promotion of holistic development among university students in Hong Kong.

Adolescent Internet Addiction in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Change, and Correlates

Study ObjectivePrevalence, change, and correlates of adolescent Internet addiction were examined in this study on the basis of six waves of longitudinal data collected over 6 years. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome MeasuresOver 6 years, students responded to a questionnaire containing measures of sociodemographic characteristics, positive youth development, family processes, and Internet addiction behavior. ResultsThe prevalence rates of Internet addiction in Hong Kong adolescents ranged from 17% to 26.8% during the high school years. Male students consistently showed a higher prevalence rate of Internet addiction and more Internet addictive behaviors than did female students. Longitudinal data suggested that although family economic disadvantage served as a risk factor for youth Internet addiction, the effects of family intactness and family functioning were not significant. Students' overall positive youth development and general positive youth development qualities were negatively related to Internet addictive behaviors and prosocial attributes had a positive relationship with youth Internet addiction. ConclusionThe results suggest that promotion of positive youth development is a promising direction for preventing Internet addiction in Hong Kong adolescents. Gender and family economic disadvantage must be considered in design of the related prevention programs.

A 6-year Longitudinal Study of Self-harm and Suicidal Behaviors among Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong

Study ObjectiveTo examine the trajectories of self-harm and suicidal behaviors among Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong and to investigate the related predictors, including gender, family nonintactness, economic disadvantage, positive youth development, and family functioning. DesignWe used quantitative data from a large sample of adolescent participants. Participants initially joined this study when they were in grade 7 (wave 1), and they were followed from grade 8 (wave 2) to grade 12 (wave 6). Setting, Participants, and InterventionsThe participants consisted of 2023 grade 12 students from 28 secondary schools in Hong Kong. A multistage cluster random sampling method was adopted. Main Outcome MeasuresSelf-harm and suicidal behaviors. ResultsThe trajectories of self-harm and suicidal behaviors in general declined from grade 7 to grade 12. Regarding the effect of gender, whereas adolescent girls showed a higher prevalence for self-harm and suicidal behaviors at baseline and other waves, adolescent boys showed a pronounced decline in self-harm rates. Adolescents from nonintact families were more likely to self-harm or engage in suicidal behaviors at wave 6. Economic disadvantage at wave 4 predicted higher suicidal behavior among adolescents but not self-harm at wave 6. Regarding positive youth development, several protective factors that include cognitive-behavioral competencies, prosocial attributes, general positive youth development qualities, and positive identity could help reduce self-harm and suicidal behaviors at different time points. Regarding the role of family functioning, more family conflicts predicted higher suicidality in adolescence (self-harm and suicidal behaviors), and family communication affected self-harming behaviors at wave 6. ConclusionThe trajectories of self-harm and suicidal behaviors decline from early to late adolescence among Chinese adolescents. Positive youth development and constructive family functioning are critical to help reduce suicidal behaviors. Regarding increased risk, more attention should be paid to adolescent girls and adolescents from nonintact and economic disadvantaged families.

The students were happy, but did they change positively?

AbstractAt The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a 2-credit General Education subject entitled “Service Leadership” was developed to promote service leadership qualities (including leadership competencies, moral character, and caring disposition) in university students. The subject was piloted in one class with 60 students in the 2012/2013 academic year. Pretest and posttest data utilizing measures of positive youth development, life satisfaction, and service leadership qualities were collected. Positive changes in the program participants were found, particularly for measures in behavioral competence, moral competence, character strengths, general positive youth development qualities, and overall service leadership qualities. The present study provided preliminary support for the effectiveness of the subject in nurturing service leadership qualities of Chinese university students in Hong Kong.

Self-harm and Suicide Attempts among Young Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Correlates, and Changes

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of and changes in self-harm and suicide attempts and to predict these behaviors in relation to family functioning and positive youth development. DesignWe used quantitative data based on a large sample of adolescent participants. Participants had joined this study in a previous year when they were in Grade 7 (Wave 1). The present study focused on Wave 2 data and the comparison with Wave 1 data. Setting and ParticipantsThe participants consisted of 2,579 Grade 8 students from 28 secondary schools in Hong Kong. A multi-stage cluster random sampling was adopted. Main Outcome MeasureSelf-harm behavior, suicide attempt, the Chinese Family Assessment Instrument, the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale. ResultsApproximately 23.5% of Grade 8 students had engaged in self-harm behavior in the preceding 12 months. Girls showed more self-harm behavior compared with the boys. Nearly 4.0% of adolescents attempted suicide in the preceding 12 months. Perceived family functioning and positive youth development predicted self-harm and suicidal ideation. Among the 4 second-order positive youth development qualities, the construct “general positive youth development qualities” was the strongest predictor of self-harm and suicide attempts. Compared with the Wave 1 data, more suicidal symptoms were observed in Wave 2, although the prevalence of self-harm behavior was similar across time. ConclusionsThe prevalence of self-harm behavior among Chinese adolescents was high, but the level of suicidal behavior was low. Perceived family functioning and positive youth development can be regarded as protective factors for adolescents against self-harm and suicidal behaviors. General positive youth development quality is most important among the 4 second-order positive youth development qualities.

Internet addiction in Hong Kong adolescents: profiles and psychosocial correlates

This study examined the prevalence of internet addition among Hong Kong adolescents and its psychosocial correlates in a large sample of early adolescents in Hong Kong. A total of 3328 students (age = 12.59 ± 0.74 years) were recruited from 28 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Using Young ’ s 10-item internet addiction test, 26.4 % of the participants were classifi ed as having internet addiction. Age and having divorced parents were positively correlated with pathological use of the internet, while higher academic competence, general positive youth development, and positive and clear identity predicted a lower probability of internet addiction. These results demonstrate that internet addiction has become an emergent youth problem in Hong Kong, which deserves more attention from researchers and professionals. Preventive strategies aiming at risk and protective factors identifi ed in the present study should be developed and implemented.

Delinquency and problem behavior intention among early adolescents in Hong Kong: profiles and psychosocial correlates

Delinquency and problem behavior intention were examined in 3328 secondary one students in Hong Kong. Over 60% of the respondents had cheated and spoken foul language over the past year, but majority had never engaged in other problem behaviors, such as sexual intercourse, staying outside their home overnight, gang fighting, and truancy. A significant proportion of the respondents would attempt to engage in delinquent behaviors in the coming 2 years, including drinking alcohol and gambling. Males reported higher levels of delinquency and problem behavior intention than did females. Higher family functioning, academic competence, pro social attributes, and general positive youth development predicted a lower likelihood of delinquency and problem behavior intention. These results shed light on the importance of early intervention work at individual, school, and family levels.

Impact of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in the Junior Secondary School Years: Individual Growth Curve Analyses

The Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programs) is a positive youth development program implemented in school settings utilizing a curricular-based approach. In the third year of the Full Implementation Phase, 19 experimental schools (n = 3,006 students) and 24 control schools (n = 3,727 students) participated in a randomized group trial. Analyses based on linear mixed models via SPSS showed that participants in the experimental schools displayed better positive youth development than did participants in the control schools based on different indicators derived from the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale, including positive self-identity, prosocial behavior, and general positive youth development attributes. Differences between experimental and control participants were also found when students who joined the Tier 1 Program and perceived the program to be beneficial were employed as participants of the experimental schools. The present findings strongly suggest that the Project P.A.T.H.S. is making an important positive impact for junior secondary school students in Hong Kong.

Dimensionality of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analyses

This paper examines the dimensionality and factorial invariance of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale (CPYDS) using multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (MCFA). Secondary 1 students (N = 5,649) responded to the CPYDS in the context of a positive youth development program. Results showed that there are 15 basic dimensions of the CPYDS which are subsumed under four higher-order factors (i.e., cognitive-behavioral competencies, prosocial attributes, positive identity and general positive youth development qualities). Evidence of factorial invariance in terms of configuration, first-order factor loadings, second-order factor loadings, intercepts of measured variable, and intercepts of first-order latent factor, was found. The findings suggest that the CPYDS has stable dimensions that can be used to assess positive youth development in Chinese adolescents.