Promoting Positive Youth Development: Lessons from the 4-H Study

✍ Scribed by Edmond P. Bowers, G. John Geldhof, Sara K. Johnson, Lacey J. Hilliard, Rachel M. Hershberg, Jacqueline V. Lerner, Richard M. Lerner (eds.)

• Publisher: Springer International Publishing
• Year: 2015
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 296
• Series: Advancing Responsible Adolescent Development
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This book presents the results of the longitudinal 4-H Study of Positive 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 the enhancement of functioning throughout life. Each chapter examines a particular aspect of youth thriving, and offers findings on either the bases or the role of positive development in a variety of outcomes, from reduced risk of emotional problems and harmful behaviors to increased participation in the community. 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 policies and practices. 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 practitioners in educational or youth development programs or policies will gain from Promoting Positive Youth Development a new appreciation of the central role of young people's strengths, and initiatives to build effective youth programs.

“This volume is destined to become the handbook for anyone interested in the bourgeoning field of positive youth development. Based on ground breaking, longitudinal research from top researchers in the field, Promoting Healthy Development for America’s Youth presents a rich, theoretically grounded understanding of the landscape today’s youth 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.

Frank L. Boyden Professor

Department of Psychology

University of Massachusetts, Boston

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages i-xii
Applying Research About Adolescence in Real-World Settings: The Sample Case of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development....Pages 1-18
Front Matter....Pages 19-19
Intentional Self-Regulation in Youth: Applying Research Findings to Practice and Programs....Pages 21-36
The Regulation of Emotion in Adolescence....Pages 37-55
School Engagement, Academic Achievement, and Positive Youth Development....Pages 57-70
Building Hope for Positive Youth Development: Research, Practice, and Policy....Pages 71-94
Front Matter....Pages 95-95
Youth–Adult Relationships and Positive Youth Development....Pages 97-120
Peer Relationships and Positive Youth Development....Pages 121-136
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Through Youth Activity Participation: Lessons from Research....Pages 137-158
Front Matter....Pages 159-159
The Five Cs Model of Positive Youth Development....Pages 161-186
Identity Development in Adolescence: Implications for Youth Policy and Practice....Pages 187-208
Front Matter....Pages 209-209
Promoting Contribution Among Youth: Implications from Positive Youth Development Research for Youth Development Programs....Pages 211-228
Promoting Adolescent Sexual Health in Youth Programming: Implications of a Positive Youth Development Perspective....Pages 229-248
A Positive Youth Development Approach to Bullying: Promoting Thriving and Reducing Problem Behaviors....Pages 249-272
Afterword: On the Contributions of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development....Pages 273-278
Back Matter....Pages 279-288

✦ Subjects

Developmental Psychology; Family; Public Health; Educational Policy and Politics; Social Policy