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The role of family environment and school climate in shaping adolescent well-being: The mediating role of positive youth development

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  • Yuan, Gangxuan
  • Tang, Ying
  • Piko, Bettina F.

Abstract

This study explores how family environment and school climate shape adolescents’ psychological well-being (EPOCH: engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, happiness), with Positive Youth Development (PYD) serving as a mediating factor. Participants were Chinese adolescents (N = 2101). Latent variable Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) findings demonstrate that family environment (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) and school climate (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) significantly contribute to adolescent well-being. Additionally, family environment and school climate have positive effects on PYD (β = 0.31 and β = 0.51, respectively, ps < 0.001), which in turn has a significant role in enhancing EPOCH (β = 0.54 and p < 0.001). The mediation effect of family environment on EPOCH through PYD was 0.17 (95 % CI [0.14, 0.20], and the indirect effect of school climate on EPOCH through PYD was 0.27 (95 % CI [0.22, 0.33]), emphasizing the role of family and school settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan, Gangxuan & Tang, Ying & Piko, Bettina F., 2026. "The role of family environment and school climate in shaping adolescent well-being: The mediating role of positive youth development," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:180:y:2026:i:c:s0190740925005833
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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