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Challenge: To Be+. A group intervention program to promote the positive development of adolescents

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  • Freire, Teresa
  • Lima, Isabel
  • Teixeira, Ana
  • Araújo, Marta Raquel
  • Machado, Alexandra

Abstract

In the last decades, research has focused on the promotion of positive youth development by creating, implementing and assessing positive youth interventions programs. This study analyzes the effectiveness of a group intervention program, titled “Challenge: To Be+”, aimed to promote positive development of adolescents, focusing on positive emotions, character strengths, and optimal experiences. We assessed its impact on positive developmental dimensions (self-esteem, self-concept, psychological well-being and satisfaction with life) and tested gender as a predictor of program impact in the experimental group. Furthermore, we explored the perceptions and the evaluation of adolescents regarding the program and its contents, using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Participated 99 adolescents (55 girls and 44 boys) from the ninth grade, divided into experimental (n = 74) and comparison (n = 25) groups. Results showed higher levels of self-esteem and satisfaction with life at posttest in the experimental group when compared to the comparison group, after controlling for the pretest. Taking in consideration the experimental group, gender was a predictor of program improvement on positive developmental dimensions, indicating a stronger effect on girls. Qualitative and quantitative results showed a positive appraisal of the program, with no gender differences in this appreciation. Findings support the importance of this program for the promotion of positive youth development.

Suggested Citation

  • Freire, Teresa & Lima, Isabel & Teixeira, Ana & Araújo, Marta Raquel & Machado, Alexandra, 2018. "Challenge: To Be+. A group intervention program to promote the positive development of adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 173-185.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:87:y:2018:i:c:p:173-185
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.02.035
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Susana Marques & Shane Lopez & J. Pais-Ribeiro, 2011. "“Building Hope for the Future”: A Program to Foster Strengths in Middle-School Students," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 139-152, March.
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    4. Forrest-Bank, Shandra S. & Nicotera, Nicole & Anthony, Elizabeth K. & Jenson, Jeffrey M., 2015. "Finding their Way: Perceptions of risk, resilience, and positive youth development among adolescents and young adults from public housing neighborhoods," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 147-158.
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    2. Ahmet Alkal & Sabahattin Çam, 2024. "The Effect of Online Multi-Component Positive Psychology Intervention on Adolescents’ Risky Behaviors and Psychological Flexibility: A Mixed Method Study," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(8), pages 1-30, December.

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