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

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

Edmond P. Bowers is a Research Assistant Professor at Tufts University. He received his doctorate in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College. His research interests include a focus on important non-parental adults and the various ways that these adults can promote positive development in young people. G. John Geldhof is an Assistant Professor at Oregon State University. He received his doctorate in Quantitative and Developmental Psychology from the University of Kansas. His research interests include quantitative methods, positive youth development and models of self-regulation. Sara K. Johnson is a research assistant professor at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University. Her work integrates the study of positive youth development, civic engagement and identity development using mixed-methods approaches.