Youth Development Research Articles

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

Schools 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.’

Creating Sport Settings for Positive Development of Socially Vulnerable Youth

Considering the growing social and emotional pressures among young people in today’s society, it is crucial to provide them with meaningful developmental programs. For many years, sport settings have been considered beneficial platforms for counteracting the adverse influences on socially vulnerable youths. Utilizing sport in youth development programs can create meaningful experiences that are highly productive for the personal and social growth of socially vulnerable youths. Yet, just participating in sport-based programs does not guarantee positive outcomes. Thus, this article provides some useful strategies that practitioners (e.g., coaches, teachers, and/or community program leaders) should consider when they develop and apply sport-based development programs for socially vulnerable youths.

“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.

Assessing the Social Dimension of Health in Rural India: A Transverse Study

Abstract Introduction: Social health will be formed with the help of a healthy family, a healthy and communicating society, an individual having basic knowledge of good and healthy living practices, an individual giving equal respect to all genders and each age group, and full utilization of his productive time with his own choice of work. Promoting health and active participation of people in social and civic behaviors is considered one of the indicators of youth development. The present study focuses on assessing the social health status of study participants in rural areas in terms of illiteracy, gender discrimination, unemployment, and substance abuse. Objectives: To assess the social health profile of the study population (illiteracy, unemployment, male gender preference, and domestic violence) and to associate the social health profile with the demographic profile of the study participants. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study done at the Rural Demographic Surveillance Site of the Native Institute. A total of 430 individuals in the 15–59 years age group, both male and female, were included in the study. Data are analyzed using percentage, proportion, mean, and standard deviation. The association between social health problems and demographic factors was estimated by confidence interval, significance level. Results: The most prevalent social health problem among the study participants was unemployment (45%), followed by illiteracy (43%), substance abuse (18%), domestic violence (11%), and attitudes favoring male gender preference (7%) in the descending order. On correlation analysis, illiteracy found to be associated with age, gender, marital status, family type, education, occupation, and socioeconomic status (SES). Male gender preference attitude is associated with age, marital status, education while domestic violence is associated with age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, and SES. Unemployment found to be associated with age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, and SES. Substance abuse is associated with age, gender, marital status, and type of family. On multivariate analysis, unemployment was found to be associated with gender, illiteracy was associated with age, gender, and type of family, substance abuse was found to be associated with age, gender, and education level, and attitudes favoring male gender preference were found to be associated with marital status, age, and education level. Conclusion: Various social health problems are prevalent in rural India, and these problems are not only associated with education level but also dependent on various other factors. A targeted approach can help reduce these problems and ultimately improve the social health status of rural populations.

“There’s Not a Lot of Glory in What I Do”: Coaches’ Views on Canadian Ice Hockey and Figure Skating Development Programs for Adults

Hockey and figure skating are iconic Canadian sports, although it would be hard to know this from the dearth of opportunities available for adults to take up these sports or improve their skills. To learn about the factors that shape adult programming in these two sports, semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 experienced Canadian hockey and figure skating coaches who work with adults. The interviews provided insight into some of the structural barriers that adult learners and their coaches face in hockey and figure skating. Participants suggest that while adult learners are an untapped market, a sport system that privileges high-performance and youth development means that few coaches can make working with adults a priority. Coaches receive little training to work with adults, and because adults are at the bottom of the hierarchy in terms of ice allocation, it is often difficult to design programs that meet their needs. The authors call for more explicit attention to adult programming in hockey and figure skating to meet demand and improve experiences for adults.

DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH WORK IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION: ACADEMIC, SCIENTIFIC AND APPLIED ASPECTS

The article reveals the peculiarities of the development of youth work in institutions of higher education.Youth work is a promising field of professional activity with young people, which requires the development of training and employment of youth workers, the level of popularization of youth work in all regions and cities of Ukraine.The development of youth policy, youth work in institutions of higher education has academic and applied aspects and has gone from an educational discipline to scientific and practical developments.Using the example of Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, the history of the development of youth policy, youth work from academic discipline to scientific and practical developments is covered. In particular, since 2018, the educational and professional program «Social work (Youth work)» has been implemented at the second level of higher education «master» in the specialty «231 Social work».In the context of the development of youth policy as an educational component, later – a separate educational program, there was a vital need to conduct scientific research in this direction. Initially, these were studies on the history of youth work. Subsequently, the historical-pedagogical vector of research was expanded by scientific investigations into the theory and practice of social work, particularly youth work. Scientific research in the field of youth work, youth policy within the educational and scientific program «Social Work» of the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education (specialty 231 «Social Work», educational degree «Doctor of Philosophy») and scientific program deserve special attention «Theoretical and methodological foundations of training future social workers for youth work» (specialty 231 «Social work», scientific level «Doctor of Sciences»).In 2018, the youth center «START» was established at Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University. The purpose of the center's activity is comprehensive development and self-realization of youth in various spheres of social life, disclosure of their potential, protection of interests and rights, promotion of social formation and development, professional orientation and organization of meaningful leisure time, support of talented, gifted youth.The authors, on the basis of the theory and practice of youth work, taking into account the suggestions of stakeholders, determined the prospects for the academic, scientific and applied aspects of the youth policy in the context of the development of social youth policy in Ukraine.

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'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.

Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among early adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anxiety and depression are among the most common and debilitating psychiatric disorders affecting youth, with both related to increased suicide risk. While rates of youth anxiety and depression were increasing before the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic further negatively impacted adolescent mental health. Unfortunately, few studies have examined prevalence of these concerns among early adolescents (ages 10-13) longitudinally during the pandemic. The current study examined self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation amongst a general pediatrics population of 11- to 13-year-olds (n = 623) from March through September 2020 (early-pandemic) and approximately 7 months later (September 2020 through May 2021; mid-pandemic). Paired samples proportions were used to examine changes in prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation from early- to mid-pandemic. Results highlight high initial rates and stability in anxiety and suicidal ideation, as well as a significant increase in depression (42.9% increase; p < .05) among the full sample during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevalance of concerns were greatest for females and Hispanic youth during the early-pandemic, and generally highest for females and Medicaid insured youth at mid-pandemic. Results extend recent research and underscore the need for continued monitoring of mental health concerns across development for youth who grew up during the COVID-19 pandemic; highlighting the need for sustainable, effective, and accessible early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies. Improving these services is critical to support youth who experienced pandemic-related stressors, and to prepare for supporting youth during future disruptive and isolating events.

Exploring Program Process at Movimiento La Libertad: Examining Nuances of Youth Programs That Develop Latinx Critical Consciousness Toward Educational Injustice and Anti-Immigrant Politics

ABSTRACT In the midst of political attacks on public schools to prevent discussions on social injustice and Latinx youth culture, there are after-school programs that nurture Latinx youth critical consciousness and social justice activism. This study uses agencies of transformational resistance (ATR) as a framework to explore one after-school program’s organizational processes that foster Latinx critical consciousness and social justice activism. Using semi-structured interviews, the data revealed the (a) curriculum, (b) pedagogy, and (c) co-conspirators are three organizational processes that nurtured Latinx youth critical consciousness. This study contributes to the critical youth development scholarship by highlighting nuances of three program processes of one Latinx youth afterschool program in an urban city in Iowa. This study suggests afterschool programs afford Latinx with organizational processes that nurture their critical consciousness. The Midwest, and specifically Iowa, have a growing Latinx population that is understudied.

A Call for Youth Voice to Support Engagement in Care for 18- to 29-Year Olds Living with HIV in the US South.

Youth with HIV (YWH) face challenges in achieving viral suppression, particularly in the Southern United States, and welcome novel interventions responsive to community needs. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) describes factors that influence behavior change, and the Positive Youth Development (PYD) supports youth-focused program design. We applied TPB and PYD to explore factors supporting care engagement and challenges for YWH in South Texas. We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with YWH and 7 focus groups with 26 stakeholders informed by TPB, PYD, and themes from a youth advisory board (YAB). The research team and YAB reviewed emerging themes, and feedback-aided iterative revision of interview guides and codebook. Thematic analysis compared code families by respondent type, TPB, and PYD. All study methods were reviewed by the UT Health San Antonio and University Health Institutional Review Boards. Emerging themes associated with care engagement included: varied reactions to HIV diagnosis from acceptance to fear/grief; financial, insurance, and mental health challenges; history of trauma; high self-efficacy; desire for independence; and desire for engagement with clinic staff from their age group. Stakeholders perceived YWH lifestyle, including partying and substance use, as care barriers. In contrast, YWH viewed "partying" as an unwelcome stereotype, and barriers to care included multiple jobs and family responsibilities. Two key themes captured in PYD but not in TPB were the importance of youth voice in program design and structural barriers to care (e.g., insurance, transportation). Based on these findings, we provide critical and relevant guidance for those seeking to design more effective youth-centered HIV care engagement interventions. By considering the perspectives of YWH in program design and incorporating the PYD framework, stakeholders can better align with YWHs' desire for representation and agency. Our findings provide important and relevant guidance for those seeking to design more effective HIV care engagement interventions for YWH.