Preventing Problems vs. Promoting the Positive: What Do We Want for Our Children? Child Trends Research Brief

Noting that there is little focus in research literature, in popular discussions, or in policymaking regarding how to promote positive youth development, this research brief presents a preliminary set of constructs that might comprise positive youth development in order to spark productive conversations that will lead to a better conceptualization and a greater understanding of the full range of development and behavior possible for children. The list of constructs was based on opinions expressed in national surveys, from a perceived cultural consensus about characteristics and activities that are intrinsically valuable, and from research that finds associations between certain child and youth characteristics and later positive outcomes. Each of the following constructs is reviewed briefly: (1) close parent-child relationships; (2) sibling relationships; (3) peer relationships; (4) character; (5) civility; (6) religiosity/spirituality; (7) tolerance; (8) extracurricular activities; (9) sports and exercise; (10) participation in cultural and literary activities; (11) environmental lifestyle; (12) volunteer community involvement; and (13) social capacity. The brief concludes by noting that there is currently extensive coverage of negative adolescent behaviors and poor child outcomes, and that the scarcity of information on positive development is due, in part, to a lack of consensus among experts in the field regarding positive outcomes desired for children. This lack of consensus undermines the capacity to raise healthy, high-achieving children. (Contains 34 references.) (KB)