1. Promoting character through developmental experiences in conservation service youth programs.
- Author
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Syvertsen, Amy K., Scales, Peter C., Wu, Chen-Yu, and Sullivan, Theresa K.
- Subjects
ADOLESCENT development ,INTELLECT ,COMMUNICATIVE competence ,REPEATED measures design ,RESEARCH funding ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,REFLECTION (Philosophy) ,SOCIAL responsibility ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ANALYSIS of covariance ,CHARACTER ,ETHICS ,ODDS ratio ,HEALTH promotion ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,COMMUNITY-based social services ,PATIENT participation - Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the developmental experiences that unfold in youth development contexts, and why they matter for character development. Drawing on pre- and post-program data provided by 846 adolescents (47% female, 63% youth of color), this paper empirically investigated the role of three developmental experiences―developmental relationships, critical reflection, and intrinsic program engagement―in promoting civic, moral, intellectual, and performance character strengths in a conservation context in the United States. Results provide robust evidence of the pervasive power of all three developmental experiences, and especially youth-adult developmental relationships and critical reflection, in promoting key elements of character. Specific suggestions are described for organizational action to invest strategically and systematically in these program features to support young people's character development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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