Promoting Positive Youth Development

This book presents the results of a longitudinal 4-H study of youth development. The volume discusses how self-regulation and contextual resources (e.g., strong relationships with parents, peers, and the community) can be fostered in young people to contribute to optimal functioning throughout life. Each chapter examines a particular aspect of youth thriving, and offers findings on the role of positive development in a variety of outcomes. Contributors introduce a contemporary model of positive development for diverse youth, provide examples of effective youth development programs, and suggest applications for informing the next generation of policy and practice.

Among the featured topics:

• The regulation of emotion in adolescence.
• School engagement, academic achievement, and positive youth development.
• Peer relationships and positive youth development.
• Identity development in adolescence and the implications for youth policy and practice.
• Promoting adolescent sexual health in youth programming.
• A positive youth development approach to bullying.

Researchers in developmental psychology as well as educational policy and politics will gain from Promoting Positive Youth Development a new appreciation of young people's strengths and their centrality in creating effective youth programs and initiatives.

"This volume is destined to become the handbook for anyone interested in the bourgeoning field of positive youth development. Promoting Positive Youth Development presents a rich, theoretically grounded understanding of the landscape today's youth, families and programs. The contributors provide clear, data-driven guidance regarding the types of programs and settings that are most beneficial to young people."

Jean E. Rhodes, Ph.D.

Department of Psychology

University of Massachusetts,