Positive youth development research review
Research ReportAPA Citation:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach. (2017). Positive youth development research review. Retrieved from: www.MilitaryREACH.org
Abstract Created by REACH:
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.
Focus:
Youth
Programming
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Methodology:
Review of Literature
Authors:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach
Publication Type:
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach
Keywords:
youth development, youth programs
Location:
University of Minnesota
REACH Publication Type:
Research Report
Sponsors:
Department of Defense between the Office of Military Community and Family Policy and the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture through a grant/cooperative agreement Award No. 2009-48667-05833 with The University of Minnesota