Youth Development Research Articles

Interrelationships of Quality of Parental Relationship, Self-esteem, and Relational Skills among 4Ps Teenage Beneficiaries in Iligan City, Philippines

Understanding how family dynamics and self-esteem impact the social development of teenagers from low-income backgrounds is crucial for designing effective youth development programs. This study investigates the relationship between parental relationships, self-esteem, and relational skills among senior high school students who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Mindanao, Philippines. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design and simple random sampling, the study surveyed 171 students using standardized questionnaires. Data analysis included mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Participants reported high parental relationship quality, self-esteem, and relational skills components such as bi-directional communication, disclosure and interpersonal closeness, and emotional experience and expression. However, assertion and conflict resolution skills were rated moderately. Parental relationships significantly correlated with self-esteem, particularly with mothers (p<0.05). Both factors significantly influenced relational skills (p<0.05). These findings suggest that while the 4Ps program may positively impact family relationships and self-esteem, additional support might be beneficial for developing stronger assertion and conflict resolution skills among beneficiaries, potentially leading to improved overall social development.

Demographics and Fives Cs of PYD as Predictors of the Domains of Contribution among Youth in Nigeria

In recent times, research has focused on positive youth development (PYD) amidst the deficits of youth. However, little is known about PYD and its potential to predict social engagement. Thus, this study aimed to examine the presence of the 5Cs of PYD (competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring) and its difference in gender and prediction to contribution, specifically social engagement among family, peers, schools, and community. The sample size consisted of Nigerian youth in University (N = 394, Mage = 18.42, SD = 1.02). The PYD framework served as the theoretical perspective underpinning the study. Questionnaires were administered using the 5Cs model of PYD and contribution items. Data were analysed for descriptive, correlations, and hierarchical regression to examine the predictors of contribution while controlling for demographics. The results showed greater scores in competence, connection, and character for women. Competence and connection (β = 0.56, p < 0.05) specifically had significantly independent associations with community volunteerism. While the findings highlight the Cs experienced and predictive values among each variable in the Nigerian context, future research could consider how each domain of the 5Cs holistically promotes contribution equally in males and females among diverse Nigerian youth. The research has implications for research, policy, and practice.

The Role of Organized Activities in Supporting Youth Social Capital Development: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

AbstractSocial capital provides young people with a web of supportive relationships that can be leveraged in pursuit of education, career, and life goals. Organized activities, an umbrella term for extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and youth development programs, are important developmental contexts for building social capital. The purpose of this study was to illuminate the developmental pathway through which social capital development occurs in organized activities. A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted using 33 articles that met inclusion criteria across five databases (e.g., ERIC, PsycINFO) between June 2022 and May 2023. Thematic analysis was used to identify malleable organized activity features that act as levers for social capital promotion. Seven thematically aligned features were identified, including (1) organizational partnerships, (2) organizational supporting structures, (3) relationally strong climate, (4) staff mindsets and skills, (5) youth mindsets and skills, (6) increased social capital opportunities, and (7) increased social capital activation. These seven themes were used to construct an empirically-grounded model that posits a process through which organized activities support youth social capital development. Implications for intentionally strengthening organized activities’ capacity to support youth social capital are discussed.

Develop Positively. Introducing a New Concept for the Prevention of Childhood and Adolescent Adversity

Focusing on the strengths, potential, and capabilities of adolescents and youth, rather than on mitigating the consequences of challenging behavior, encapsulates the principal notion of positive youth development. The concept began to gain momentum in the world in the 1990s. In Russia as well, there are examples of non-governmental organizations that embrace and implement the principles of this approach in practice. The specifics of this concept, and how its application aids in the prevention of child and adolescent adversity, are explained by the expert from the Victoria Charitable Children’s Fund.1

EXAMINING THE CRITICAL ROLE OF YOUTH'S PARTICIPATION AS CATALYSTS FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF DEVELOPMENT

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the critical role of youth participation as catalysts for sustainable social and economic drivers of development in Africa.   Theoretical Reference: The study adopted the theory of Positive Youth Development to contexualise the aim of the study. The study argues that, youth workers and other service providers using a youth development approach would be able to analyze the theories in this study and determine what influences their practice, anticipate the results of their interventions, choose the best course of action at each stage of the process, and explain their actions when working with young people.   Method: Through the application of qualitative research techniques, the study primarily used peer-reviewed secondary sources available within the public domain. Since they provided the researchers with a great opportunity to connect with the body of knowledge already in existence and allowed the researchers to gain insight into the thoughts and experiences of other scholars regarding the area of study. Hence advanced searches of baseline literature were used to collect qualitative data.   Results and Conclusions: The literature review examined the vital role that young people play as engines for long-term social and economic development in several African. The study argued that youth involvement promotes project ownership and sustainability and increases young people's ability to meet their basic needs.   Implications of Research: Unemployment has caused Africa a lot of woes as youths embrace violence rather than embarking on projects that would benefit the continent. The paper concluded that unless impediments to the actualisation are expunged, the African continent will still take its back seat in this era of unprecedented development. Originality/ Value: The study made the case that young people must be involved as advisors, collaborators, and stakeholders if development initiatives are to be effective and representative. To guarantee that young people are engaged, it is not enough to rely just on one-time conversations; there needs to be an ongoing process.

Disentangling Support for Violent and Non-violent Radicalization among Adolescents: A Latent Profile Analysis.

Although support for violent and non-violent radicalization can co-occur, only a few adolescents who support non-violent radicalization also support or engage in violent acts. Yet, little is known about what factors are associated with adolescents' paths towards or away from violent and/or non-violent radicalization. Within a socio-ecological and positive youth development framework, this study investigates profiles of support for violent and non-violent radicalization among adolescents attending high schools in Quebec (Canada) and whether such profiles are differently associated with experiences of social adversity, school-, family- and peer-related factors and psychological distress. Adolescents (N = 1911; Mage = 15.7; SDage = 0.98; 48.7% girls) completed an online survey during school hours. A Latent Profile Analysis on scores of support for violent and non-violent radicalization was conducted. A multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the associations between profiles and variables of interest. We identified six profiles of adolescents. The heterogeneity of profiles suggested multiple and complex combinations of support for violent and non-violent radicalization as well as their co-existence in some but not all profiles. Adolescents who reported less discrimination, more positive school experiences and more family support were less likely to belong to profiles that supported violence. Primary prevention efforts in the field of support for violent radicalization must adopt a socio-ecological and social justice approach and consider the diversity of adolescents' profiles, attitudes and experiences.

Supporting the Wellbeing of Those Left Behind: The Impact of Youth Development Programmes on Children in Highly Transient Schools

AbstractSchools are important in nurturing social skills and behaviours. Research consistently demonstrates that movement into/out of school (transience/mobility) disrupts positive social skill development, especially for students who frequently move. The impact of attending a highly transient school on non-mobile students is not as well-known. The current study explored the impact of values and life skill-based programme, Kiwi Can, on social development and the classroom climate for non-mobile children. Researchers administered surveys to students attending 15 intervention (i.e. Kiwi Can programme; n = 763) and 9 control (n = 456) schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. We examined the impact of programme participation by school transience level (high, middle, low) and length of school participation (new, experienced). The results indicate that students attending highly transient schools struggled to build social relationships, feel connected, demonstrate care and compassion to others, and behave in prosocial ways. They also felt less safe at their schools. Students participating in Kiwi Can for more than two years (experienced schools) showed fewer negative effects of transience on social development than less experienced schools. This research highlights the plight of students who are ‘left behind.’

“Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are:” The contribution of peers to adolescents' values

AbstractValues serve as guiding principles, motivating specific behaviors, and actions. Peers spend a considerable amount of time together, thus offering a unique platform for the acquisition and development of values. During adolescence, a stage of life when youth are actively defining their identities, peers emerge as vital social agents, contributing significantly to the process of value formation. In this article, I examine the ways peers contribute to the development of youth's values, with a focus on basic personal values theory. This theory sheds light on how and why peers play a role in shaping the values of adolescents. It examines the phenomenon of similarity in peer values (values similarity) and explores how factors such as gender, age, and culture act as potential moderators in the relation between peers' and youth's values similarity. I conclude by summarizing key insights and proposing directions for research.

Longitudinal associations between attachment representations coded in the adult attachment interview in late adolescence and perceptions of romantic relationship adjustment in adulthood

AbstractIncreasingly, researchers have operationalized Adult Attachment Interview (AAI)‐derived attachment representations as reflecting individual differences in secure base script knowledge (AAIsbs) – the degree to which individuals show awareness of the temporal‐causal schema that summarizes the basic features of seeking and receiving effective support from caregivers when in distress. In a series of pre‐registered analyses, we used AAI transcripts recently re‐coded for AAIsbs and leveraged a new follow‐up assessment of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development cohort at around age 30 years (479 currently partnered participants; 59% female; 82% White/non‐Hispanic) to assess and compare the links between AAIsbs and traditional AAI coding measures at around age 18 years and self‐reported romantic relationship quality in adulthood. Higher AAIsbs predicted better dyadic adjustment scores in adulthood (r = 0.17) and this association remained significant controlling for other AAI‐derived coding measures, as well as sociodemographic and cognitive functioning covariates. Findings extend previous evidence pointing to the predictive significance of AAIsbs for multiple adult functioning domains.

Evaluating a Future-Oriented Positive Youth Development Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Among Highly Mobile Youth: Results and Challenges

PurposeYouth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness need tailored prevention programming to prevent unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. This study evaluated the efficacy of a small-group, future-oriented positive youth development (PYD) intervention to reduce sexual risk behaviors. MethodYouth aged 14–19 (n = 483) experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness were recruited at youth-serving agencies and in alternative schools. Each cohort enrolled was randomized either to a 10-session, 5-week group future-oriented intervention to support them in adopting health-promoting behaviors such as using contraception, including condom use (n = 244) or to a no-treatment condition where they received usual services/schooling (n = 239). We assessed at baseline and 3-month and 9-month follow-up (1) vaginal intercourse without consistent contraception use, (2) vaginal and anal intercourse without consistent condom use, and (3) sexual risk behaviors, including current (last 3 months) effective contraception use by females who did not report current use at baseline. ResultsThere was no significant difference between treatment and control conditions for most outcomes. However, among females not currently using contraception at baseline, 34% in the treatment condition compared to 12.9% in the control condition reported using contraception in the 3 months before the 9-month survey, a statistically significant difference. DiscussionThis sexual risk reduction intervention, grounded in PYD theory and tailored to address the needs of marginalized groups of youth, demonstrated efficacy at increasing contraceptive uptake among females. The need for PYD interventions that can be delivered in a variety of nontraditional school and service settings are discussed.

'Tausi Feagaiga: A Project to Train Caregivers and Empower the American Samoan Community.

The 'Tausi Feagaiga (Covenant Keeper) project was a partnership to support the traditional values of tausi matua (caring for one's elders). The partners included a non-governmental organization (Pacific Youth and Community Development), a faith-based organization (Roman Catholic Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago), and an institute of higher education (University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine). The project was created to address the lack of community-based health care such as home health or hospice, and families needing to work outside the home. A culturally based caregiving curriculum was developed to educate caregivers and improve their knowledge and skills. Using a train-the-trainer model, 125 caregivers were trained in family caregiving from 2016-2020. Training was conducted through an intensive workshop followed by practicum at Hope House, the Catholic Diocese home for the aged. Participants who expressed a willingness and competency were mentored to be trainers to continue the 'Tausi Feagaiga project. The mean self-rated confidence in caregiving improved significantly from 3.17 ± 1.02 (mean SD) pre workshop to 3.53 ± 0.71 post workshop (P = .001). Competence in geriatric syndromes was improved from 18.04 ± 4.27 to 21.31 ± 4.30 after attending the workshop (P < .001) and the feedback was extremely positive. Technical assistance was provided to obtain funding through American Samoa Medicaid State Agency to improve the existing infrastructure of Hope House, obtain much needed supplies, and increase ability to hire the participants. 'Tausi Feagaiga positively impacted the lives of the residents of Hope House, the course participants, the elders in the community, and those who care for them.

From the pitch to personal growth: Investigating self-esteem as a mediator and parental support as a moderator in youth sports in China

This study focuses on the intricate connections among youth sports, personal development, and skill acquisition in contemporary China. Building upon established theoretical frameworks, the study aims to unravel the intricate interplay among various variables. Employing a robust methodology that accounts for mediation and moderation effects and with a sample of 808 individuals representing diverse demographics, the findings shed light on the significant influence of family structure, particularly the prevalence of extended family arrangements, on an individual's character development. Furthermore, the study underscores the pivotal role of personal characteristics, particularly self-esteem, in shaping admirable traits. The research identifies several contributing factors to positive character development, including active participation in sports, parental support, accessibility to sports facilities, positive peer influence, and high self-esteem. Parents play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of peer pressure by offering positive reinforcement and serving as role models. These findings hold important implications for youth development programs, emphasizing the vital role of parents in guiding character development, particularly in the context of peer pressure.

TIME-VARYING CORRELATES OF ADULT SINGLEHOOD: EDUCATION, WORK, LIVING ARRANGEMENTS, AND MENTAL HEALTH

Using the Youth Development Study (n = 504 women and 421 men), we examine how changes in education, work, living arrangements (e.g., living with children, parents, and/or roommates), and mental health predict occasions in adulthood when respondents were single (i.e., not living with a spouse or cohabiting with an unmarried partner) from ages 21 to 38. The odds of singlehood were higher when individuals were living with parents or living with roommates. The odds were lower when living with children, as well as after earning a BA/BS degree. Overall, the correlates shed light on the growing population of single US adults.

Association between maternal mental health-related hospitalisation in the 5 years prior to or during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: a population-based retrospective cohort data linkage study in the Northern Territory of Australia

Mental health conditions prior to or during pregnancy that are not addressed can have adverse consequences for pregnancy and birth outcomes. This study aimed to determine the extent to which women's mental health-related hospitalisation (MHrH) prior to or during pregnancy was associated with a risk of adverse birth outcomes. We linked the perinatal data register for all births in the Northern Territory, Australia, from the year 1999 to 2017, to hospital admissions records to create a cohort of births to women aged 15-44 years with and without MHrH prior to or during pregnancy. We used Modified Poisson Regression and Latent Class Analysis to assess the association between maternal MHrH and adverse birth outcomes (i.e., stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and short birth length). We explored a mediation effect of covariates on theoretical causal paths. We calculated the adjusted Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) and Preventive Fractions for the Population (PFP) for valid associations. From 72,518 births, 70,425 births (36.4% for Aboriginal women) were included in the analysis. The Latent Class Analys identified two classes: high (membership probability of 10.5%) and low adverse birth outcomes. Births to Aboriginal women with MHrH were around two times more likely to be in the class of high adverse birth outcomes. MHrH prior to or during pregnancy increased the risk of all adverse birth outcomes in both populations with risk ranging from 1.19 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.35) to 7.89 (1.17, 53.37). Eight or more antenatal care visits and intrauterine growth restriction mostly played a significant mediation role between maternal MHrH and adverse birth outcomes with mediation effects ranging from 1.04 (1.01, 1.08) to 1.39 (1.14, 1.69). MHrH had a low to high population impact with a PAF ranging from 16.1% (5.1%, 25.7%) to 87.3% (14.3%, 98.1%). Eight or above antenatal care visits avert extra adverse birth outcomes that range from 723 (332-765) stillbirths to 3003 (1972-4434) preterm births. Maternal MHrH is a modifiable risk factor that explained a low to moderate risk of adverse birth outcomes in the Northern Territory. The knowledge highlights the need for the development and implementation of preconception mental health care into routine health services. The Child and Youth Development Research Partnership (CYDRP) data repository is supported by a grant from the Northern Territory Government.

Evaluating the impact of digital technology on youth leadership development in the USA

Digital technology has become an integral part of modern society, influencing various aspects of daily life, including education and leadership development. This study aims to evaluate the impact of digital technology on youth leadership development in the USA. The research explores how digital technology, such as social media, online platforms, and digital communication tools, influences the development of leadership skills and qualities among young people. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a diverse sample of youth leaders across the USA. Quantitative surveys are used to assess the extent to which digital technology is used in leadership development programs and its perceived impact on leadership skills. Qualitative interviews provide deeper insights into how digital technology influences the development of leadership qualities, such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Preliminary findings suggest that digital technology plays a significant role in youth leadership development, offering new opportunities for learning and growth. Social media platforms, in particular, are identified as valuable tools for connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and mobilizing support for various causes. However, the study also highlights challenges associated with the use of digital technology, such as the risk of information overload and the potential for online harassment and bullying. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for educators, policymakers, and youth organizations to recognize the potential of digital technology in enhancing leadership development while addressing its challenges. Recommendations are provided for integrating digital technology into leadership development programs effectively, including the importance of digital literacy education and the need for policies that promote safe and responsible digital practices among young leaders. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the impact of digital technology on youth development, providing valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to harness the power of digital technology for youth leadership development in the USA.

Insta-identity: The longitudinal reciprocal relationship between authentic and positive self-presentation on Instagram and the sexual identity development of sexual minority youth

Social media such as Instagram have provided sexual minority youth with safer contexts to express their sexual identity authentically and positively. However, as much of the existing literature draws upon small-scale, cross-sectional, and/or qualitative designs, it is currently unclear how authentic and positive self-presentation on social media informs sexual identity development over time. This study therefore explored the longitudinal relationship between authentic and positive self-presentation on Instagram, and the sexual identity clarity and self-acceptance of sexual minority youth. The moderating effect of micro- (i.e., peer feedback on Instagram) and macro-level (i.e., cultural context) social factors was also examined. Two-wave survey data were collected from 729 sexual minority youth from the United States, the Czech Republic, and Poland (M age = 18.54, SD = 1.63, Female = 76.82%), and data were analyzed using a multi-group cross-lagged panel model. A positive reciprocal relationship was found between positive self-presentation on Instagram and self-acceptance, whilst the associations between sexual identity clarity and self-presentation were moderated by peer feedback on Instagram. Cultural context had no moderating effect on the hypothesized model. Results suggest that whilst a dynamic relationship exists between sexual identity development and self-presentation on Instagram, peer feedback on Instagram may inform the frequency and effects of potentially adaptive self-presentation. This study therefore sheds new light on the developmental and social factors that inform the social media use of sexual minority youth, and findings extend our understanding of how social media contributes to sexual identity formation.

Addressing cortex dysregulation in youth through brain health check coaching and prophylactic brain development

The Carter Center has estimated that the addiction crisis in the United States (US), if continues to worsen at the same rate, may cost the country approximately 16 trillion dollars by 2030. In recent years, the well-being of youth has been compromised by not only the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic but also the alarming global opioid crisis, particularly in the US. Each year, deadly opioid drugs claim hundreds of thousands of lives, contributing to an ever-rising death toll. In addition, maternal usage of opioids and other drugs during pregnancy could compromise the neurodevelopment of children. A high rate of DNA polymorphic antecedents compounds the occurrence of epigenetic insults involving methylation of specific essential genes related to normal brain function. These genetic antecedent insults affect healthy DNA and mRNA transcription, leading to a loss of proteins required for normal brain development and function in youth. Myelination in the frontal cortex, a process known to extend until the late 20s, delays the development of proficient executive function and decision-making abilities. Understanding this delay in brain development, along with the presence of potential high-risk antecedent polymorphic variants or alleles and generational epigenetics, provides a clear rationale for embracing the Brain Research Commission&amp;rsquo;s suggestion to mimic fitness programs with an adaptable brain health check (BHC). Implementing the BHC within the educational systems in the US and other countries could serve as an effective initiative for proactive therapies aimed at reducing juvenile mental health problems and eventually criminal activities, addiction, and other behaviors associated with reward deficiency syndrome.

Sociodemographic Background Predisposing Youths into Gang Violence in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

The historical and constitutional responsibility of youths in any country cannot be underrated because youth remain one of the vital weapons for accelerating and harmonizing societal orderliness Evidence gathered from extant publication shows that youth formed the larger percentage of people apprehended for violence activities in most correctional facilities in the world.  In Nigeria, Extant publications were reviewed while Anomie and rational choice theories were adopted for the study. Mixed methods were adopted for collections of data from the inmates in the Lagos correctional facility approved for the study400 hundred copied of structured questionnaires in the three approved corrections in Lagos But 347 of the questionnaires were retrieved for the quantitative analysis while 36 out of 40 interviews conducted were found useful using In-depth interview for the inmates while key informant interviews were used for collection of verbal data from the member of the Nigeria Police Force, Correctional Officers, market men/women and community elders in Lagos. The concluded that gender positioning (t-047), family background (t-=083) and marital status (t=014) significantly predisposed youths into violent activities compared with employment (t= 816), age (t=123) and level of education (t=482). In addition, the qualitative data indicated that immaturity and poor parental background influence youth gang violence. The social interventionist should encourage the family, youths and community members to get involved in decision making, adequate youth development programme should be encouraged and youth should develop act of self-creativity and innovation toward promoting self-image in Nigeria

COVID-19-Related Emotional Impact and Personal Experiences, Family Income, and Sleep Hygiene of Early Appalachian Adolescents

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted the lifestyles and routines of adolescents, making it difficult to prioritize sleep. This has raised concerns regarding the sleep hygiene of young individuals, as good sleep is important for healthy youth development. Therefore, understanding how the pandemic has disproportionally affected the sleep of specific youth subgroups is essential for developing interventions to alleviate poor sleep and its adverse consequences. Methods: School-based survey data from the Young Mountaineer Health Study (YMHS) was used to create generalized estimating equation models to predict daytime sleepiness and the amount of sleep among early adolescents on weekday and weekend nights. The study included data from 2,322 students collected over three waves ~6 months apart. COVID-19-related emotional impact (scale range: 5–25) was considered the independent variable. Results: The average age of the participants in wave 1 was 11.50 (male, 44.1%). COVID-19-related emotional impact was positively associated with daytime sleepiness (estimate=0.25, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001) and increased the odds of receiving less than the recommended average amount of sleep on weekdays (odds ratio [OR]=1.05, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001) and weekends (OR=1.04, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Thus, we recommend targeting proper sleep interventions for individuals deeply affected by the pandemic and young individuals from lower-income families. Moreover, despite a decrease in the emotional impact of COVID-19 over time, its potential negative effects on sleep persisted. Therefore, efforts should focus on educating young individuals regarding the health benefits of proper sleep, with an emphasis on integrating this information into the health curricula of secondary schools in the Appalachian region.

Sexting Behavior Among Youths

The advent of digital technology and smartphones with internet access has affected many aspects of youth development, including sexual development. One frequently studied type of digital technology use related to young people’s sexual communication is sexting, which is the exchange of sexually explicit content electronically for sexual or romantic purposes. This theoretical review of research, lists and explains commonly studied characteristics of sexting: nature, determinants, and consequences of sexting behavior. The consensus was critical for nearly all characteristics examined in sexting research. Gaps in existing knowledge and methodology as well as recommendations for future research on youth sexting are discussed.