Positive youth development research review
- The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach. (2017). Positive youth development research review. Retrieved from: www.MilitaryREACH.org
- From middle childhood through adolescence, youth experience great physical and psychological growth. From being fully dependent on their parents in middle childhood to gaining autonomy and independence in adolescence, youth quickly learn to navigate their many environments, relationships, and experiences to form a positive and coherent identity. This transition to adulthood can prove quite challenging for some youth (Arnett, 2000) as their need for independence may influence their ability to make healthy decisions, resulting in many dangerous or risky behaviors (e.g., substance use, unprotected sexual activity and teenage pregnancy, delinquency; Dryfoos, 1990; Hawkins, Catalano, & Miller, 1992; Moore, Manlove, Glei, & Morrison, 1998). Often, families and communities together can help equip youth with the skills and resources required for healthy decision-making and, in turn, positive development. Therefore, youth programs, particularly those utilizing positive youth development approaches, are an important resource for offering such guidance and support for youth. The present paper will explore this idea, providing an overview of the field of positive youth development, defining the positive youth development approach, connecting it to important youth outcomes, and identifying its implications for youth programs and practitioners.
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Research summaries convey terminology used by the scientists who authored the original research article; some terminology may not align with the federal government's mandated language for certain constructs.