Positive youth development: A longitudinal quasi-experiment in Jamaica

The present study represents an effectiveness trial of a positive youth development program to improve self-efficacy, workplace skills, and developmental assets of unattached emerging adults in Jamaica. Using a longitudinal quasi-experimental design with propensity score matching, study participants (n = 598, Mean Age = 19.04, SD = 1.83, 66.1% female) were observed from two groups: program/treatment participants, and a matched comparison group. HLM piecewise models were used to examine change by group and time. In the first piece we observed substantial gains in treatment participants across many outcomes. In the second piece that followed participants for more than a year subsequent to treatment, we observed considerable regression based on effect magnitudes. We review relational-developmental systems theory for implications relative to policy and practice in developing countries on the implementation of PYD programs for unattached emerging adults. Findings support the need for additional investment to sustain developmental changes beyond program implementation. •Unattached youth pose serious problems for developing nations•Positive youth development programs are effective for altering developmental trajectories.•Longer term outcomes require additional investment to sustain developmental changes.•PYD programs should be extended beyond initial administration to support unattached youth.