Paths to Positive Development: a Model of Outcomes in the New Zealand Youth Transitions Study

Abstract

This study examined predictors of positive developmental outcomes, including: life satisfaction; optimism; educational achievement; civic engagement; and positive peer influence; in a sample of young people comprised of a study group (n = 593) facing significant challenges and a comparison group (n = 778) who were progressing more normatively. The study modelled the demographic, risk, and resource predictors of positive outcomes across both groups, and compared the fit of the model across groups using integrative data analysis techniques. Results suggested that positive outcomes were predicted by: resilience; ethnicity; peer problems; depression age; gender; relationship status; and parental monitoring. Although the study group faced significantly (p