We’re Here, We’re Hopeful, and We Can Do Well: Conceptions and Attributes of Positive Youth Development among Immigrant Youth

Authors

  • Yulika Forman Tufts University
  • Dan Du Tufts University
  • Megan Kiely Tufts University
  • Jennifer Carrano Boston College
  • Richard M. Lerner Tufts University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2009.271

Abstract

Using qualitative and quantitative information from Grades 8 and 9 of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (PYD), we describe the conceptions of thriving youth present within adolescent immigrants to the United States, and interrelate these conceptions with quantitative scores for PYD, contribution, and positive future orientation. Conceptions of thriving that included positive future orientation were associated with higher quantitative scores for PYD and Contribution. Conceiving of thriving as making contributions to themselves or their communities was associated with higher quantitative scores for Contribution. These findings suggest that immigrant youth whose qualitative definitions of thriving include the U.S.-based conceptions of PYD show quantitative evidence of positive functioning. We discuss limitations of the present study and directions for future research.

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Published

2009-03-01

Issue

Section

Feature Articles