Positive Youth Development in the United States: Research Findings on Evaluationsof Positive Youth Development Programs. Final Report and Executive Summary

摘要

The past 30 years have seen widespread proliferation of prevention and positiveyouth development programs. During this time, prevention programs have been the subject of much evaluative study. More recently, the field has witnessed a greater focus on evaluation of programs emphasizing positive youth development. Interest in positive youth development has grown as a result of studies that show the same individual, family, school and community factors often predict both positive and negative outcomes for youth. Such factors as developing strong bonds with healthy adults and maintaining regular involvement in positive activities not only create a positive developmental pathway, but can prevent the occurrence of problems. While encouraging, these findings highlight the need for systematic review across programs to further their general acceptance by the field. Accordingly, the goals of this study were to: (1) research and establish both theoretical and empirical definitions of positive youth development and related concepts; (2) document and describe common denominators between risk and protective factors implicated in youth problem behavior; (3) identify and summarize the results of evaluations of positive youth development interventions; and (4) identify elements contributing to both the success and lack of success in positive youth development programs and program evaluations, as well as potential improvements in evaluation approaches.