scholarly journals Positive Youth Development and Adolescent Depression: A Longitudinal Study Based on Mainland Chinese High School Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Zhou ◽  
Daniel T.L. Shek ◽  
Xiaoqin Zhu ◽  
Diya Dou
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Positive Youth Development ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mainland Chinese

There are several limitations of the scientific literature on the linkage between positive youth development (PYD) attributes and adolescent psychological morbidity. First, longitudinal studies in the field are limited. Second, few studies have used validated PYD measures to explore the related issues. Third, few studies have used large samples. Fourth, limited studies have been conducted in mainland China. In this study, we conducted a longitudinal study using two waves of data collected from 2648 junior high school students in mainland China. In each wave, participants responded to a validated PYD scale (Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale: CPYDS) and other measures of well-being, including the 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). After controlling for the background demographic variables, different measures of CPYDS (cognitive–behavioral competence, prosocial attributes, general positive youth development qualities, positive identity, and overall PYD qualities) were negatively associated with CES-D scores in Wave 1 and Wave 2. Longitudinal analyses also revealed that PYD measures in Wave 1 negatively predicted Wave 2 depression scores and the changes over time. The present findings highlight the protective role of PYD attributes in protecting adolescents from depression.

scholarly journals Concurrent and Longitudinal Relationships between Positive Youth Development Attributes and Adolescent Internet Addiction Symptoms in Chinese Mainland High School Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1937
Author(s):  
Diya Dou ◽  
Daniel T. L. Shek
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Positive Youth Development ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
School Students

In view of growing adolescent Internet addiction (IA) in the global context, there is a great need to understand the predictors of IA and design related evidence-based intervention and prevention programs. This longitudinal study investigated the relationships between Positive Youth Development (PYD) attributes and IA problems and the mediating role of life satisfaction using a large sample of Chinese high school students (N = 2648). Separated by one academic year, students completed a questionnaire evaluating their adolescent psychosocial adjustment, including validated PYD and IA measures. Multiple regression and structural equation modeling analyses were used. Consistent with the theoretical predictions of PYD models, results revealed a significant negative influence of PYD attributes on IA symptoms concurrently and longitudinally. In particular, general PYD attributes, such as emotional competence, spirituality, and resilience, showed strong and stable protective effects against IA. Life satisfaction also served as a mediator of the influence of all measures of PYD attributes on IA symptoms. The study underlines the importance of PYD attributes in promoting adolescents’ life satisfaction and preventing IA, and thus contributes to the design and implementation of evidence-based intervention and prevention programs.

scholarly journals Physical Education and Its Importance to Physical Activity, Vegetable Consumption and Thriving in High School Students in Norway

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4432
Author(s):  
Nora Wiium
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

Earlier research indicates that physical education (PE) in school is associated with positive outcomes (e.g., healthy lifestyle, psychological well-being, and academic performance). Research assessing associations with resilience and thriving indicators, such as the 5Cs of Positive Youth Development (PYD; competence, confidence, character, caring, and connection) is limited and more so in the Norwegian context. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between PE grade (reflecting students’ effort in theoretical and practical aspects of the subject) and the 5Cs as well as healthy behaviors (physical activity (PA), fruit and vegetable consumption), using cross-sectional data collected from 220 high school students in Norway (Mage = 17.30 years old, SD = 1.12; 52% males). Results from structural equation modelling indicated positive associations between PE grade and four of the 5Cs (competence, confidence, caring, and connection; standardized coefficient: 0.22–0.60, p < 0.05) while in logistic regressions, a unit increase in PE grade was associated with higher likelihood of engaging in PA and vegetable consumption (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.18–3.18 and OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.08–2.63, respectively). These significant findings suggest the need for policies and programs that can support effective planning and implementation of PE curriculum. However, further research is needed to probe into the role of PE on youth health and development with representative samples and longitudinal designs.

Identity Exploration and Commitment of Albanian Youth as a Function of Social Opportunity Structure

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 268-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Orgocka ◽  
Jasna Jovanovic
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Opportunity Structure ◽  
School Students ◽  
Identity Exploration

This study examined how social opportunity structure influences identity exploration and commitment of Albanian high school students. A total of 258 students completed a questionnaire that gauged their identity exploration and commitment in three domains: education, occupation, and family. ANOVA results indicated that, overall, students scored highest in exploration in the domain of education and in commitment in the domain of family. Students' exploration and commitment were linked to gender. Albanian female students scored higher than male students in exploration and commitment regarding education and family. Perceived work opportunities in Albania or abroad also significantly moderated participants' exploration in the domain of education and were associated with commitment in education and occupation. As one of the first studies to explore Albanian youth's identity development in relation to social opportunity structure, findings are discussed in light of furthering the field of Albanian adolescent and youth development.

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