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Positive Youth Development and Adolescent Depression: A Longitudinal Study Based on Mainland Chinese High School Students

Author

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  • Zheng Zhou

    (Research Institute of Social Development, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Daniel T.L. Shek

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Xiaoqin Zhu

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Diya Dou

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

There are several limitations of the scientific literature on the linkage between positive youth development (PYD) attributes and adolescent psychological morbidity. First, longitudinal studies in the field are limited. Second, few studies have used validated PYD measures to explore the related issues. Third, few studies have used large samples. Fourth, limited studies have been conducted in mainland China. In this study, we conducted a longitudinal study using two waves of data collected from 2648 junior high school students in mainland China. In each wave, participants responded to a validated PYD scale (Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale: CPYDS) and other measures of well-being, including the 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). After controlling for the background demographic variables, different measures of CPYDS (cognitive–behavioral competence, prosocial attributes, general positive youth development qualities, positive identity, and overall PYD qualities) were negatively associated with CES-D scores in Wave 1 and Wave 2. Longitudinal analyses also revealed that PYD measures in Wave 1 negatively predicted Wave 2 depression scores and the changes over time. The present findings highlight the protective role of PYD attributes in protecting adolescents from depression.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng Zhou & Daniel T.L. Shek & Xiaoqin Zhu & Diya Dou, 2020. "Positive Youth Development and Adolescent Depression: A Longitudinal Study Based on Mainland Chinese High School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4457-:d:374416
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhu, Xiaoqin & Shek, Daniel T.L., 2020. "Impact of a positive youth development program on junior high school students in mainland China: A pioneer study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    2. Carol Ryff & Burton Singer, 2008. "Know Thyself and Become What You Are: A Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 13-39, January.
    3. Richard F. Catalano & M. Lisa Berglund & Jean A. M. Ryan & Heather S. Lonczak & J. David Hawkins, 2004. "Positive Youth Development in the United States: Research Findings on Evaluations of Positive Youth Development Programs," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 591(1), pages 98-124, January.
    4. Miki Talebi & Kimberly Matheson & Hymie Anisman, 2013. "Support, Depressive Symptoms, and the Stigma towards Seeking Mental Health Help," International Journal of Social Science Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 1(1), pages 133-144, April.
    5. Sze Mon Lo & Ho Cheong Wong & Ching Yee Lam & Daniel T. L. Shek, 2020. "Common Mental Health Challenges in a University Context in Hong Kong: a Study Based on a Review of Medical Records," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(1), pages 207-218, March.
    6. Daniel Shek & Cecilia Ma, 2010. "Dimensionality of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analyses," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 98(1), pages 41-59, August.
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