Abstract

FRIAS ARMENTA, Martha  and  BARRIOS GAXIOLA, Melanie Itsel. Resources that promote positive youth development. Escritos de Psicología [online]. 2016, vol.9, n.3, pp.37-44. ISSN 1989-3809.  https://dx.doi.org/10.5231/psy.writ.2016.2911.

Adolescence is a crucial developmental phase that shapes people's futures. Positive psychology investigates the variables that promote the optimal development of human beings. It recognizes that all children and adolescents have strengths that will develop once these strengths match the resources needed to achieve this in the various settings in which they live. The aim of this study was to analyze from a multidisciplinary perspective (e.g. psychological, sociological, and economic) the effect of resources that promote positive youth development. The sample consisted of 200 middle school students (15 to 19 years). EQS statistical software was used to analyse a structural equation model in which the study variables comprised 4 factors: one for each resource (economic, psychological, sociological), and one for positive youth development. The results showed a direct association between psychological and social resources and positive development, and between social resources and psychological assets. However, no association was found between economic resources and positive youth development. These results suggest that the main influences on positive youth development are psychological and social resources.

Keywords : Positive development; youth; social resources; economic resources; psychological resources.

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