Positive youth development requires comprehensive health promotion programs

Abstract

Objective: To explore relationships among problem and positive youth behaviors, commonalities among their predictors, and implications for prevention.

Methods: Review etiology and prevention literatures.

Results: Risky/unhealthy/antisocial behaviors, poor mental health, and poor academic achievement are highly prevalent and pose critical dilemmas for parents and educators. All behaviors are highly correlated with, and predict, each other; have many of the same risk and protective factors; and strongly influence success and happiness in life. Some examples of comprehensive programs with positive results in multiple domains are provided.

Conclusion: We need to prevent problem behaviors and promote positive behaviors with comprehensive, coherent, and integrated approaches.