Positive Youth Development: The 5 C´s effect in a School environment

Abstract

A positive youth development perspective focuses on recognizing psychosocial strengths and providing social environments that contribute to the adolescent’s development. The school context is where adolescents spend most of their time and where they develop most of their competencies. It is important to understand how these competencies can be promoted and how they can influence your well-being. The study aimed was to analyse the impact of the PYD 5 C´s on Portuguese adolescents in their school environment. Participants were students between 5th grade and 12th grade that attend public schools. The questionnaire was administered to 384 adolescents. The results indicated the importance of 5 C’s supporting to promote positive interpersonal relationships and, consequently for the adolescent’s well-being. Our research revealed that adolescents feelings in school environment are essentially influenced by their own competences.