Positive Developmental Outcomes Research Articles

Positive Youth Development Among Youth Living in Poverty: The Role of Psychological Needs Satisfaction

Positive developmental outcomes among youth living in poverty have rarely been studied. Despite numerous risk factors, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to positive developmental outcomes among youth in poverty. Using the Self-Determination Theory framework, this two-wave longitudinal study investigated the contribution of basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness to positive developmental outcomes of prosocial behavior and positive affect among 225 youth living in poverty in Italy. Results suggest that overall, prosocial behavior was positively predicted by autonomy, while positive affect was positively predicted by competence. Moderator analyses showed that the satisfaction of the need of relatedness predicted prosociality for girls and immigrants. For girls, the fulfilling of this need also predicted positive affect. The importance of each psychological need to different positive outcomes was shaped by adolescents’ economic condition, immigrant background, and gender. The implications for further research and practices are discussed.

Optimism in adults born preterm: Systematic review and individual-participant-data meta-analysis.

AimPreterm birth(<37 gestational weeks) is associated with numerous adversities, however, data on positive developmental outcomes remain limited. We examined if preterm and term born(≥37 gestational weeks) adults differ in dispositional optimism/pessimism, a personality trait associated with health and wellbeing. We assessed if birth weight z-score, neurosensory impairments and parental education modified the outcome.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for cohort or case-control studies(born ≥ 1970) with data on gestational age and optimism/pessimism reported using the Life-Orientation-Test-Revised in adulthood(≥18 years). The three identified studies(Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults; Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study; Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) provided data for the two-step random-effects linear regression Individual-Participant-Data meta-analysis.ResultsPreterm and term borns did not differ on optimism(p = 0.76). Preterms scored higher on pessimism than term borns(Mean difference = 0.35, 95%Confidence Interval 0.36, 0.60, p = 0.007), although not after full adjustment. Preterm born participants, but not term born participants, with higher birth weight z-score, had higher optimism scores (0.30 raw score units per standard deviation increase, 95% CI 0.10, 0.49, p = 0.003); preterm vs term x birth weight z-score interaction p = 0.004).ConclusionsPreterm and term born adults display similar optimism. In preterms, higher birth weight may foster developmental trajectories promoting more optimistic life orientations.

Meta‐analysis examining the effects of electronic storybooks on language and literacy outcomes for children in grades Pre‐K to grade 2

AbstractBackgroundThe array of availability of diverse digital reading applications, the mixed results emerging from small‐scale experimental studies, as well as the long‐standing tradition and range of known positive developmental outcomes gained from adult‐child storybook reading warrant an investigation into electronic storybooks (e‐books) by performing a meta‐analysis, which includes recent studies.ObjectivesThe overall purpose of this meta‐analysis is to examine the impact of e‐book reading on language and literacy development of young children when compared with traditional reading of print books with or without adult scaffolding in a structured and controlled environment.MethodsThis meta‐analysis includes experimental studies published between 2008 and 2021 with a target population of 3–8 year‐olds (n = 2.317).Results and conclusionsAnalyses indicated a small positive effect for e‐books when compared with print books on language and literacy development [g = 0.25; 95% CI = (0.09, 0.42)]. A moderate positive effect was found for vocabulary learning, [g = 0.40; 95% CI = (0.10, 0.69)], especially in relation to expressive vocabulary [g = 0.54; 95% CI = (0.08, 1.00)]. In addition, we found a significant positive correlation between multimedia e‐books and the development of code‐related skills. However, no significant differences were found between e‐book and print book reading in relation to story comprehension.ImplicationsFindings showed that digital features combined with adult scaffolding produced significant positive effects when compared with traditional print book reading with adult support. The findings have practical ramifications, since they can help researchers and educators identify which digital features have the greatest influence on improving children's language and literacy skills when engaging with e‐books.

Program Quality and Developmental Outcomes Related to Youth Volleyball in Ethiopia: Assessing Relationships and Variations.

This study aims to assess program quality and developmental outcomes of a youth volleyball project in one of the regional states in Ethiopia, and further examine variations between groups across gender and project site zones. We applied a cross-sectional survey design, collecting quantitative data from youth volleyball players (n = 215) with a mean age of 16.18 years (SD = 0.69) through a self-reported questionnaire. The results indicated that young players’ perceptions did not vary significantly across gender, except for the mean score of the perceived experience variable for girls (M = 2.68, SD = 0.318) was significantly higher than the mean score of boys (M = 2.58, SD = 0.258). One-way (project site zone) analyses of variance (ANOVAs) identified that youth volleyball projects in the central zone were consistently rated higher than those in the western zone, except for the current practice rating. Moreover, correlation analysis results indicated the presence of a significant relationship, both within and between program quality and developmental outcome variables. Furthermore, the results of regression analysis indicated that the program quality variables together predicted each of the developmental outcomes, accounting for 18.9% to 31.7% of the variances. It is concluded that the quality of the youth volleyball program in Ethiopia varies considerably across the project site zones and the program quality variables significantly relate to the developmental outcomes measured with differential effects. The data from this study reveals several practical applications for Ethiopia and beyond in terms of guiding youth volleyball projects. Moreover, the findings of the study showed that youth sport and the manner in which it is structured and delivered to youth players influences the attainment of positive developmental outcomes. These results suggest that contextual differences really do have an effect on the quality of youth sport program processes and developmental outcomes.

Exploring sexual awareness and Decision-making among adolescent girls and boys in rural Nicaragua: A socio-ecological approach

ObjectiveTo explore how individual, relational, and social contexts influence adolescents' sexual awareness and decision-making in rural Nicaragua. MethodsEighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescent boys and girls aged 15 to 19 years. Thematic analysis identified patterns of meaning applying a socio-ecological approach. A thematic map illustrates how the themes are organized according to the socio-ecological model and suggests their interactions. ResultsSix main themes emerged as (1) Adolescence - a period of life changes, (2) Fears as a pathway to awareness and decision-making, (3) Awareness about protective measures, (4) Relational influences on adolescents’ sexual health, (5) Service provision and institutional influences on awareness and decision-making and (6) Sociocultural determinants on adolescent sexual health. Informants of both genders expressed concern in several issues of their sexuality. They identified fear of pregnancy, STIs, and their impact on future goals, family communication, and school-based sexual education as protective factors for their sexual decision-making. Adolescents of both genders are challenging social and cultural norms by developing sexual agency. ConclusionThese findings imply that personal and societal factors in rural Nicaragua produce a multi-dimensional effect on adolescent sexual self-efficacy. Our study is relevant for a wider discussion about sexual awareness to promote positive development and health outcomes particularly among adolescents’ girls and boys living in rural settings.

Parent and child car-ride interactions before and after sport competitions and practices: Video analysis of verbal and non-verbal communication

ObjectiveParents’ behaviours have important implications for youth athletes’ sport experiences, and researchers have begun to examine parental communication with youth athletes. However, there is a lack of information about the range of behaviours in parent-child interactions, and much of the existing research has focused on parental verbal comments. Thus, there is a need to better understand the quality, quantity, and types of sport-related communication between parents and athletes that occurs before and after sport events. The purpose of the present study was to examine the nature of parent-child communication during the car ride to and from sport practices and games. DesignVideo recordings (N = 98 videos) of interactions during the car ride to and from sporting events were collected from 28 parent-child dyads (30 h of video in total). Sport-related conversations were analyzed to identify verbal and non-verbal behaviours and patterns of responses between parents and athletes. ResultsThe amount of time spent talking about sport-related topics was minimal (12.9%) compared to non-sport-related conversations (28.5%) or periods of silence (59.0%). Parents provided more praise about their child’s performance than athletes did themselves. Parents’ praise and criticism typically consisted of general or task-oriented comments, with few instances of ego-oriented praise or criticism. Parents asked closed/descriptive questions most frequently, while open/reflective questions were asked least often. In several instances, parents interjected before athletes could respond to parents’ comments. ConclusionsThe results of this study identify a wider range of verbal and non-verbal behaviours than previously reported in the literature on parent-athlete communication in sport. The patterns of interactions and responses identified in this study provide a starting point for further research to understand parent-athlete communication and its contribution to positive developmental outcomes for youth athletes.

Exploring the Relationship Between Program Experience and Youth Developmental Outcomes

Program quality is an important topic for improving out-of-school time youth development programs. High levels of program quality may contribute to enhanced positive youth development outcomes. This paper explores aspects of program quality in the California 4-H Youth Development Program and its relationship to positive youth development outcomes. Results indicated few demographic differences in program quality as experienced and reported by youth. Youths who reported higher levels of program quality also reported higher levels of positive youth development outcomes. Emotional safety and relationship building, two aspects of program quality, were the most consistent predictors of positive youth development outcomes. Youth development programs should assess their current program quality practices to look for needs, especially related to emotional safety and relationship building. Further, program administration and staff should model critical aspects of program quality for direct service providers

Perceived Strengths of the Georgia 4-H Program: A Delphi Analysis

The Georgia 4-H program is the largest youth organization in the state andempowers youth participants to become autonomous and productive members ofsociety. 4-H involvement has been linked to positive youth development outcomes, including leadership and vocational skills, increased self-confidence, and meaningful relationships. The focus of this study was to identify key strengths ofthe 4-H program, as indicated by Foundation Advisory Board members (some ofwhom were 4-H alumni), to guide future programming and curriculum efforts.Strengths were examined through an appreciative inquiry using organizationalmeasures, including positive youth development as conceptualized by T he Five C’s Model (Lerner et al., 2000) and positive organizational behavior as conceptualized by the C . H.O .S.E. characteristics (Luthans, 2002). Through a modified Delphi approach, an expert panel (n =31) identified and reached consensus regarding perceived strengths of the Georgia 4-H program. Eighty-seven items were retained after the Delphi process and were analyzed using the constant comparative method (CCM). Of these 87 items, 41 received a unanimous individual consensus rating. Seven themes emerged following the CCM analysis, including 4-H Organization – General; 4-H Organization – Leadership andSupport; Leadership and Professional Development; Character and Life SkillsDevelopment; Youth Development; Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion; and Programming and Opportunities

37.8 Wellness-Focused Mentoring Program for Youth and College Students

Mentoring is a valuable tool for supporting vulnerable youth through individual relationships that engage, teach life skills, and build social skills and healthy behaviors in youth. By having a role model and building empathy, children and young adults are less likely to turn to substance abuse or risky behaviors. We hypothesized that positive mentoring relationships would improve behavior and social skills and have overall positive developmental outcomes for youth.

4-H Student Nutrition Advisory Councils Support Positive Youth Development and Health Outcomes Among Underserved Populations

4-H SNAC Clubs engage youth in low-income schools with majority Latinx enrollment in leadership activities to increase schoolwide health and wellness. 4-H SNAC Clubs aim to develop youth health leaders, establish youth-adult partnerships, and increase access to 4-H in Latinx communities. Outcomes related to healthful living and positive youth development were assessed using the Teen Teacher Retrospective Survey (n=59) across five 4-H SNAC Clubs. Results show positive outcomes related to self-reported health behaviors for students and their families and leadership development. 4-H SNAC Clubs can increase access to 4-H among Latinx youth and support healthier communities through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education programming.

The double-edged sword effect of social media usage on new product development performance: evidence from Chinese firms

PurposeResearch on social media frequently analyze social media usage (SMU)'s positive consequences for organizations and individuals; however, recent innovation studies caution that SMU may not always lead to positive new product development (NPD) outcomes. The competing streams of research highlight a fundamental tension that exists in the social media literature exemplified by the question: Is SMU good or bad for NPD? In this manuscript, the authors suggest that a more appropriate question as follows: What are the positive and negative indirect effects of SMU on NPD performance? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the aforementioned points in detail.Design/methodology/approachA literature review provides the model and hypotheses. Using a sample of 168 Chinese firms, the authors conducted an empirical test following multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe results demonstrate that SMU facilitates business analytics (ability) and social legitimacy (opportunity) but impairs entrepreneurial proclivity (motivation). These three constructs in turn mediate the effect of SMU on NPD performance. Moreover, this paper explores how technological turbulence moderates SMU's effects on business analytics, entrepreneurship proclivity and social legitimacy.Research limitations/implicationsThe results may be affected by both the context (solely in China) and type (cross-sectional) of the data set. Future research might take a decompositional approach to study SMU's effect on innovation in different NPD stages. Furthermore, with widely varying purposes (e.g., marketing, information searching, partner collaboration, new product launch, etc.), there is certainly a need for more clarity and understanding of how firms can leverage each of these different social media activities for successful NPD.Practical implicationsFirst, we suggest that managers in China should be explicitly aware of the double-edged sword effect of SMU on NPD performance. Second, this study encourages managers to use social media carefully when technological turbulence becomes intense.Originality/valueDrawing on the ability–motivation–opportunity framework, this is one of the first studies to simultaneously examines the benefits and costs of SMU for NPD. In addition, this paper bridges the separate literatures on social media, business analytics, entrepreneurial proclivity and social legitimacy and contributes to the NPD research.

Exploring parents’, coaches’, and children’s experiences and perceived outcomes in preschooler sport

ABSTRACT There is limited and conflicting evidence of the benefits of early years (<6) sport participation, yet sport programmes directly targeting this demographic are commonplace. Given known positive and negative outcomes associated with sport participation among older children and youth, there is a need to explore unique benefits, risks, and associated experiences of younger children’s sport involvement; this research may inform parenting decisions around early sport enrolment, and implications for children’s development over the life course. In this exploratory study, experiences and perceived outcomes of preschooler sport participation were examined from the perspective of parents (n = 10), coaches (n = 7), and children aged 3–5 years (n = 10). Results emerging from individual semi-structured interviews revealed themes related to (a) physical activity and energy management, (b) physical literacy and sport skill acquisition, (c) understanding success and failure, (d) socialisation and social skills, and (e) life skills and school readiness. Findings indicate substantive diversity in experiences and perceived outcomes across participants, tied in part to children’s age, length of time in programs, programme/sport type, and concurrent attendance of other programs (e.g. music, daycare, kindergarten). Preschooler sport experiences were not universal, and despite parents’ sometimes inflated expectations, positive developmental outcomes did not emerge through children’s mere attendance alone, but rather were the result of unique interacting contextual factors. Continued research is warranted, as positive outcomes among older children and youth in sport should not automatically be imprinted upon the preschooler demographic.

Effects of Self-Regulated Physical Activity in Premature Infants on Bone Density and Length of Stay: A Pilot Study.

Premature infants are not prepared developmentally, physically, or cognitively with the multiple survival skills of the typical newborn. To determine whether physical activity generated spontaneously by premature infants stretching against the resistance of "prepod" garments is as effective as exercises provided by therapists in slowing bone density loss. Preterm very low birth weight infants were placed in two nonrandomized parallel groups according to birth age. Infants routinely started in a traditional intense intervention setting and graduated to a special care section with private rooms that allowed parents to remain with their child. Healthy infants without medical complications, born between 28 and 32 wk postmenstrual age. The control group received traditional exercises. The experimental group wore a prepod almost 24 hr a day. Outcomes and Measures: An ultrasound of the tibia was obtained at 31 to 32 wk and 4 wk later. Weight gain, head circumference growth, and length of stay (LOS) were also measured. Although not statistically significant, the ultrasound results showed that the prepod group had less loss of bone density than the traditional therapy exercise group. The desired outcome was for pods to be as effective at reducing bone loss as traditional exercise, so the results exceeded expectations. The unexpected, and more notable, finding was a striking drop in LOS for the prepod group. Spontaneous exercise by premature infants decreases bone loss and LOS. Better bone health and increased developmental maturity increase the chances of a positive developmental outcome and save the hospital significant expense. What This Article Adds: The prepod is a simple, cost-effective, noninvasive treatment tool occupational therapy practitioners can use to support a premature infant's development. This study has considerable potential to affect how infants are served, both developmentally and financially.

The Association between Exposure to Nature and Children’s Happiness: The Diathesis-Stress or Differential Susceptibility Models?

Research has demonstrated that both family environments and individual characteristics are associated with children’s happiness. However, relatively less research has explored whether and how natural environments are associated with children’s happiness. The current study examines whether the association between exposure to nature and children’s happiness is moderated by temperament (negative affectivity and effortful control), whether there is a gender difference in the moderating mechanisms, and whether the detected moderation supports the diathesis-stress or differential susceptibility models. Four hundred and ten children and one parent of each child participated in our study. We found that boys’ effortful control, not negative affectivity, moderated the association between exposure to nature and happiness. Furthermore, the results support the differential susceptibility model with boys’ low effortful control as a vulnerability factor. Specifically, for boys with lower effortful control, a lower exposure to nature was associated with lower happiness, and a higher exposure to nature was associated with higher happiness than in boys with higher effortful control. However, girls’ negative affectivity and effortful control did not moderate the association between exposure to nature and happiness. These findings suggest that the association between natural environments and children’s positive developmental outcomes varies with their effortful control and gender.

Do youth soccer academies provide developmental experiences that prepare players for life beyond soccer? A retrospective account in the United Kingdom.

The professionalisation of soccer academies has intensified, with youth players exposed to demanding performance focused environments in pursuit of a career in the professional game. Yet, academies are also under increasing pressure to show that they develop players who can function in life beyond soccer. Therefore, this study explored the retrospective views of 13 ex-elite UK youth academy soccer players on whether their time within the academy provided developmental experiences that prepared them for life beyond soccer. We interviewed seven players who successfully progressed into professional contracts and six who did not. Players were recruited from two different academies to explore the developmental outcomes they associated with academy involvement and to unpick how those outcomes were achieved. Our findings showed that, promisingly, time in the academy provided both contracted and non-contracted players with transferable life skills as well as open educational and vocational doors – resulting in the majority of players leaving the environment being ‘(more) ready’ for life. However, these outcomes are not ‘automatic’ and were highly dependent on the interaction between three developmental contextual themes; i) what was demanded by the academy context, ii) what was encouraged within the academy context, and iii) the quality of interpersonal relationships. Beyond this, players’ attitudes, histories and wider socio-contextual influences were important in shaping (future) outcomes. With an eye on providing worthwhile experiences for all youth athletes involved, these findings provide insight into how academy contexts can simultaneously promote performance alongside positive developmental outcomes. Keywords: elite youth soccer, , Positive Youth Development, life skills, dual career, Talent identification and development system outcomes

Corporal punishment and early childhood development in 49 low- and middle-income countries

ObjectiveTo systematically assess the association between corporal punishment and young children's development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). MethodData for 69 population-based surveys from the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) were combined. The sample included 131,164 children aged 36–59 months living in 49 LMICs. The surveys included information about children's developmental status and exposure to corporal punishment in the prior month. Logistic models, random-effects meta-analysis, and moderation analysis were used to obtain pooled estimates and assess the extent to which the association between corporal punishment and child developmental outcomes varied across countries. ResultsOn average, children exposed to corporal punishment were about 24% (β = 0.76, 95% CI 0.72–0.80) less likely to be developmentally on track than children who were not exposed to corporal punishment. Challenges in social-emotional development may drive the association between child development and corporal punishment. Corporal punishment was not associated with any positive developmental outcome in any country. There was minor heterogeneity in the estimated associations, which was not explained by the extent to which corporal punishment was normative within countries. ConclusionsAll forms of corporal punishment – including spanking – are likely to be harmful to young children's development and wellbeing. Public education, legal prohibition of corporal punishment, and other efforts are needed to protect children from corporal punishment and promote their wellbeing, health, and development.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE PRESCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

&lt;p&gt;Research findings suggest that teachers’ education and training is a key factor in improving the preschool quality. Teachers’ qualifications can lead to high-quality preschool education and positive developmental outcomes for the children. This study examines the effectiveness of the teachers’ professional development program “Upgrading the Quality of the Preschool Environment” on improving the quality of the Kindergartens. The research followed a quasi-experimental design and included 26 kindergarten teachers from 23 public Greek kindergartens, who were divided into an Experimental and a Control Group. The quality of the kindergartens was initially assessed using the ECERS-R scale and a five-month professional development program, based on this initial evaluation and on collaborative practices, was designed and implemented to the Experimental Group. Our results show that although the mean scores of quality before the implementation of the program did not differ significantly (t = 6.45, p =.52), the mean scores, for the Experimental Group (M = 4.71, SD = .62) were significantly higher after the intervention (t = 4.30, p &amp;lt;001) than those of the Control Group (M = 3.78, SD = .37). The follow up evaluation one and a half years later showed the maintenance and further improvement of the results of the program in the quality of the kindergartens. Our research provides useful information that can be used in the future for the designing of professional development programs aimed at improving the quality of the preschool environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0756/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Excess Screen Time - Impact on Childhood Development and Management: A Review

In recent years children are immersed in both traditional and new forms of digital media around the globe. Screen time is now embedded in the daily lives of young children beginning from infancy. Pre-schoolers exposed to screen and interactive media may benefit in many ways but excessive and inappropriate screen exposure could potentially lead to several health and developmental risks. Environmental factors such as parents, siblings, peers have a profound influence on a child’s development. Despite challenges of screen media parenting practices and those posed by lockdown (work from home, online schooling) during this pandemic, parents hold the key to navigate these challenges by serving as role models to ensure positive developmental outcomes in their children.

Building Youth Infrastructure: Early Lessons From the Youth Systems Collaborative

In recent years the international youth development field has increasingly acknowledged that purposeful action at the systems level is critical for achieving positive outcomes for youth, sustainably, equitably, and at scale. In 2018 a group of international organizations formed the Youth Systems Collaborative, a community of practice whose aim is to promote international learning on youth systems change efforts. Building from the collective learning of this group, this paper offers a framework for understanding how widespread and sustained positive youth development outcomes can be achieved in low- and middle-income countries. Five enablers that advance systems change are presented: stakeholder collaboration; vision and goals; systems mapping; data, evaluation, and learning; and capacity development, as well as 4 domains within which system change occurs: policies, services and practices, norms and mindsets, and resource flows. Each of these 9 dimensions is illustrated with lessons learned from both U.S. and international youth systems change efforts. The paper concludes with a call to action for diverse system actors to apply these lessons as they support youth to reach their full potential.

Influence of center-based child care on development of two-year-olds in a Brazilian cohort.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To investigate the association between child care attendance since birth and development in two-years-old Brazilian children.METHODS The study used longitudinal data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. The childhood development (cognitive, fine and gross motor skills, and language) at two-years-old children was assessed using INTER-NDA (INTERGROWTH-21st Neurodevelopment Assessment). The child care attendance was measured at ages one and two years and categorized as: a) never attended child care; b) attended some child care (one or two years); and c) always attended child care (one and two years). Demographic, socioeconomic, health, and child stimulation variables were considered as confounders. Crude and adjusted analyses of child care attendance and development were carried out using linear regression.RESULTS Out of the 3,870 infants included in the analyses, around 1/3 attended center-based child care. In crude analyses, attending center-based child care was associated with positive developmental outcomes, except in motor domains. In adjusted analyses, compared to those children that have never attended child care, children who did attend presented higher scores for cognitive development (always in child care: β: 2.44, 95%CI: 0.83–4.05; some child care: β: 1.35, 95%CI: 0.17–2.53).CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that center-based child care may help improve child cognitive development in the Brazilian context. Furthermore, the association was higher for early and continued attendance. Considering the low prevalence of children in external care, it is recommended to improve child care opportunities in early childhood.