Abstract
The purposes of the study were to assess whether a community-based program was effective in promoting adolescents' development and explore what factors were associated with the program effects. A total of 406 junior secondary students (Secondary 1-3) from five schools participated in a positive youth development program across three years (2013-2015). Seven focus group interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from the program implementers, program participants and their parents/caretakers (N = 46). Results showed that the program was effective in promoting adolescents' self-competence, beliefs in the future, problem solving skills and interpersonal relationship. Factors that accounted for these changes included the presence of a positive and supportive atmosphere and the presence of a collaborative and experiential learning environment. This study provides evidence on the positive impact of a positive youth development (PYD) program and helps identify factors that facilitate the implementation of PYD programs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 319-327 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | International Journal on Disability and Human Development |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2018 |
Keywords
- Chinese secondary school students
- Community-based youth program
- Positive youth development
- Project P.A.T.H.S
- Youth at-risk
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rehabilitation
- Sensory Systems
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Advanced and Specialised Nursing
- Speech and Hearing
