Positive Youth Development in Malaysia

Open Access
- Author:
- Ang, Mei-Mei
- Graduate Program:
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- May 05, 2009
- Committee Members:
- J Douglas Coatsworth, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
J Douglas Coatsworth, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Edward A Smith, Committee Member
Eric Loken, Committee Member
Jennifer Lianne Maggs, Committee Member
Karen Linn Bierman, Committee Member - Keywords:
- prosocial behavior
adolescent psychology
positive development
Asian culture
measurement
substance use - Abstract:
- Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a strengths based theoretical framework that embraces an optimistic view of youth, and clear definitions of positive outcomes. The three studies in this dissertation investigated the application of the Five Cs PYD framework (Caring, Character, Competence, Confidence, and Connections) beyond the United States, specifically among ethnically diverse youth in urban Malaysia. Participants were 1,470 adolescents in early secondary school between ages 13 and 14. In Chapter 1, results from structural equation modeling showed that a five-factor measurement structure corresponding to the Five Cs had a significantly better fit than a uni-dimensional or two-level factor structure, and was invariant across boys and girls. Gender differences were observed in several positive dimensions, as girls reported higher Caring, Character and Connections, and boys higher Confidence. In Chapter 2, the relationship between the Five Cs and youth positive functioning (prosocial Contribution), and substance use were examined. Four Cs were significantly and positively associated with Contribution, explaining 18% of its variance. Only Connections was significantly and negatively associated with cigarette and alcohol use, after controlling for gender and SES. Together, the Five Cs explained 3% to 4% of the variance in cigarette and alcohol use. Chapter 3 describes an exploratory qualitative study to examine how the Five Cs are conceptualized, and to identify culture-specific positive traits in this Asian context. Fifteen youth professionals (i.e. teachers, lecturers, counselors, community professionals) were interviewed. Using qualitative content analysis, informants’ ideas and examples of positive traits were analyzed and categorized into higher-order themes. In general, themes identified for Caring, Character, Competence, Confidence, and Connections transcended culture. Several themes more culturally specific to Asia include being courteous, peaceful, responsible in social roles (themes under Character), and language proficiency (Competence). Spiritual values and practice was also considered important to complement the Five Cs framework. Together, these studies support the relevance of the Five Cs framework beyond the United States, particularly in Malaysia. Findings can inform future PYD measurement research in this region, and intervention efforts aimed at promoting positive functioning; toward furthering the study of positive indicators and the promotion of human flourishing.