Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effectiveness of Positive Youth Development Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

  • Empirical Research
  • Published:
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Positive youth development is thought to be essential to the prevention of adolescent risk behavior and the promotion of thriving. This meta-analysis examined the effects of positive youth development interventions in promoting positive outcomes and reducing risk behavior. Ten databases and grey literature were scanned using a predefined search strategy. We included studies that focused on young people aged 10–19 years, implemented a positive youth development intervention, were outside school hours, and utilized a randomized controlled design. Twenty-four studies, involving 23,258 participants, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The impact of the interventions on outcomes including behavioral problems, sexual risk behavior, academic achievement, prosocial behavior and psychological adjustment were assessed. Positive youth development interventions had a small but significant effect on academic achievement and psychological adjustment. No significant effects were found for sexual risk behaviors, problem behavior or positive social behaviors. Intervention effects were independent of program characteristics and participant age. Low-risk young people derived more benefit from positive youth development interventions than high-risk youth. The studies examined had several methodological flaws, which weakened the ability to draw conclusions. Substantial progress has been made in the theoretical understanding of youth development in the past two decades. This progress needs to be matched in the intervention literature, through the use of high-quality evaluation research of positive youth development programs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • References marked with an asterisk indicate studies included in the meta-analysis.

  • *Allen, J. P., Philliber, S., Herrling, S., & Kuperminc, G. P. (1997). Preventing teen pregnancy and academic failure: Experimental evaluation of a developmentally based approach. Child Development, 68(4), 729–742. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.1997.tb04233.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Begg, C. B., & Mazumdar, M. (1994). Operating characteristics of a rank correlation test for publication bias. Biometrics, 50(4), 1088–1101.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beinart, S., Anderson, B., Lee, S., & Utting, D. (2002). Youth at risk? A national survey of risk factors, protective factors and problem behaviour among young people in England, Scotland and Wales. London: Communities that Care.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellis, M. A., Hughes, K., Calafat, A., Juan, M., Ramon, A., Rodriguez, J. A., et al. (2008). Sexual uses of alcohol and drugs and the associated health risks: A cross sectional study of young people in nine European cities. BMC Public Health, 8, 155. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-8-155.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Benson, P. L., Scales, P. C., Hamilton, S. F., & Semsa, A, Jr. (2006). Positive youth development: Theory, research, and applications. In W. Damon, R. M. Lerner, & R. M. Lerner (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology, Vol. 1: Theoretical models of human development (6th ed., pp. 894–941). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beyers, J. M., Toumbourou, J. W., Catalano, R. F., Arthur, M. W., & Hawkins, J. D. (2004). A cross-national comparison of risk and protective factors for adolescent substance use: The United States and Australia. Journal of Adolescent Health, 35(1), 3–16. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2003.08.015.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A. (Ed.). (2004). Helping adolescents at risk: Prevention of multiple problem behaviors. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • *Bird, J. M. (2014). Evaluating the effects of a strengths-based, professional development intervention on adolescents’ academic, social, and emotional outcomes. (Unpublished doctoral thesis), University, of South Caroline, United States. Retrieved from University of South Caroline website http://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/2790/?utm_source=scholarcommons.sc.edu%2Fetd%2F2790&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages.

  • Bonell, C., Allen, E., Strange, V., Copas, A., Oakley, A., Stephenson, J., et al. (2005). The effect of dislike of school on risk of teenage pregnancy: Testing of hypotheses using longitudinal data from a randomised trial of sex education. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 59(3), 223–230. doi:10.1136/jech.2004.023374.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bonell, C., Fletcher, A., & McCambridge, J. (2007). Improving school ethos may reduce substance misuse and teenage pregnancy. BMJ, 334(7594), 614–616. doi:10.1136/bmj.39139.414005.AD.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • *Bonell, C., Maisey, R., Speight, S., Purdon, S., Keogh, P., Wollny, I., et al. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of “teens and toddlers”: A teenage pregnancy prevention intervention combining youth development and voluntary service in a nursery. Journal of Adolescence, 36(5), 859–870. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2013.07.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Borenstein, M., Hedges, V., Higgins, J. P., & Rothstein, H. R. (2009). Introduction to meta-analysis. Chichester, UK: Wiley.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bowers, E. P., Li, Y., Kiely, M. K., Brittian, A., Lerner, J. V., & Lerner, R. M. (2010). The five Cs model of positive youth development: A longitudinal analysis of confirmatory factor structure and measurement invariance. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(7), 720–735. doi:10.1007/s10964-010-9530-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brooks-Gunn, J., & Roth, J. (2014). Promotion and prevention in youth development: Two sides of the same coin? Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43(6), 1004–1007. doi:10.1007/s10964-014-0122-y.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Carter, S., Straits, K. J., & Hall, M. (2007). Project venture: Evaluation of an experiential, culturally based approach to substance abuse prevention with American Indian youth. The Journal of Experiential Education, 29(3), 397–400.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Catalano, R. F., Berglund, M. L., Ryan, J. A., Lonczak, H. S., & Hawkins, J. D. (2002). Positive youth development in the United States: Research findings on evaluations of positive youth development programs. Prevention and Treatment, 5(1), 15. doi:10.1037/1522-3736.5.1.515a.

    Google Scholar 

  • Catalano, R. F., Berglund, M. L., Ryan, J. A., Lonczak, H. S., & Hawkins, J. D. (2004). Positive youth development in the United States: Research findings on evaluations of positive youth development programs. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 591(1), 98–124. doi:10.1177/0002716203260102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, A. M., Hussein, Y., Morreale, S., Field, C. A., & Barry, M. M. (2015). What works in enhancing social and emotional skills development during childhood and adolescence? A review of the evidence on the effectiveness of school-based and out-of-school programmes in the UK. Retrieved from National University of Ireland Galway. https://aran.library.nuigalway.ie/handle/10379/4981.

  • Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioural sciences. Hillside. NJ: Lawrence Earlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connell, C. M., Gilreath, T. D., & Hansen, N. B. (2009). A multiprocess latent class analysis of the co-occurrence of substance use and sexual risk behavior among adolescents. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 70(6), 943–951. doi:10.15288/jsad.2009.70.943.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Cross, A. B., Gottfredson, D. C., Wilson, D. M., Rorie, M., & Connell, N. (2009). The impact of after-school programs on the routine activities of middle-school students: Results from a randomized, controlled trial. Criminology & Public Policy, 8(2), 391–412. doi:10.1111/j.1745-9133.2009.00555.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damon, W. (2004). What is positive youth development? The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 591(1), 13–24. doi:10.1177/0002716203260042.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Deane, K. L. (2012). Project K in black & white: A theory-driven & randomised controlled trial evaluation of a youth development programme (Unpublished doctoral thesis) University of Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from University of Auckland website https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/handle/2292/19753.

  • Degenhardt, L., Chiu, W. T., Sampson, N., Kessler, R. C., Anthony, J. C., Angermeyer, M., et al. (2008). Toward a global view of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine use: Findings from the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. PLoS Med, 5(7), e141. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0050141.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Department of Health (2011). Abortion statistics, England and Wales: 2010. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/abortion-statistics-england-and-wales-2010.

  • Dickson, K., Vigurs, C. A., & Newman, M. (2013). Youth work: A systematic map of the research literature. Dublin, Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/ResearchDocs/Ireland/2013/SystematicMapping.pdf.

  • *Dolan, P., Brady, B., O’Regan, C., Russell, D., Canavan, J., & Forkan, C. (2011). Big brothers big sisters of Ireland: Evaluation study: Report one: Randomised controlled trial and implementation report. Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway, Foroige. Retrieved from http://www.foroige.ie/sites/default/files/big_brother_big_sister_report_3.pdf.

  • Donnellan, M. B., Trzesniewski, K. H., Robins, R. W., Moffitt, T. E., & Caspi, A. (2005). Low self-esteem is related to aggression, antisocial behavior, and delinquency. Psychological Science, 16(4), 328–335. doi:10.1111/j.0956-7976.2005.01535.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dryfoos, J. (1990). Adolescents at risk: Prevalence and prevention. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • DuRant, R. H., Smith, J. A., Kreiter, S. R., & Krowchuk, D. P. (1999). The relationship between early age of onset of initial substance use and engaging in multiple health risk behaviors among young adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 153(3), 286–291. doi:10.1001/archpedi.153.3.286.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Durlak, J. A., & Weissberg, R. P. (2007). The impact of after-school programs that promote personal and social skills. Chicago, Illinois: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. Retrieved from http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/afterschool/partnerships/documents/ASP-Full.pdf.

  • Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., & Pachan, M. (2010). A meta-analysis of after-school programs that seek to promote personal and social skills in children and adolescents. American Journal of Community Psychology, 45(3–4), 294–309. doi:10.1007/s10464-010-9300-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eaton, D., Kann, L., Kinchen, S., Ross, J., Hawkins, J., Harris, W.A., Lowry, R., McManus, T., Chyen, D., Shanklin, S., Lim, C., Grunbaum, J.A., & Weschler, H. (2006). Youth risk behavior surveillance—United States 2005. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 55(SS05), 1–108. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5505a1.htm.

  • Emler, N. (2001). Self esteem: The costs and causes of low self worth. York, York Publishing Services. Retrieved from https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/self-esteem-costs-and-causes-low-self-worth.

  • *Feinberg, M. E., Solmeyer, A. R., Hostetler, M. L., Sakuma, K. L., Jones, D., & McHale, S. M. (2013). Siblings are special: Initial test of a new approach for preventing youth behavior problems. Journal of Adolescent Health, 53(2), 166–173. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.10.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2007). Conduct and attentional problems in childhood and adolescence and later substance use, abuse and dependence: Results of a 25-year longitudinal study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 88, S14–S26. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2006.12.011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Field, A. P. (2001). Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients: A Monte Carlo comparison of fixed-and random-effects methods. Psychological Methods, 6(2), 161–180. doi:10.1037/1082-989X.6.2.161.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flory, K., Lynam, D., Milich, R., Leukefeld, C., & Clayton, R. (2004). Early adolescent through young adult alcohol and marijuana use trajectories: Early predictors, young adult outcomes, and predictive utility. Development and Psychopathology, 16(01), 193–213. doi:10.1017/S0954579404044475.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gavin, L. E., Catalano, R. F., David-Ferdon, C., Gloppen, K. M., & Markham, C. M. (2010). A review of positive youth development programs that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Journal of Adolescent Health, 46(3), S75–S91. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.11.215.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Gottfredson, D. C., Cross, A., Wilson, D., Rorie, M., & Connell, N. (2010). An experimental evaluation of the All Stars prevention curriculum in a community after school setting. Prevention Science, 11(2), 142–154. doi:10.1007/s11121-009-0156-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Grossman, J. B., & Sipe, C. L. (1992). Summer Training and Education Program (STEP): Report on long-term impacts. Retrieved from http://ppv.issuelab.org/resource/report_on_long_term_impacts_step_program.

  • *Grossman, J. B., & Tierney, J. P. (1998). Does mentoring work? An impact study of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Evaluation Review, 22(3), 403–426. doi:10.1177/0193841X9802200304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gunning, N., Jotangia, D., Nicholson, S., Ogunbadejo, T., Reilly, N., Simmonds, N., et al. (2010). Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England in 2009. London: Information Centre for Health and Social Care.

    Google Scholar 

  • *Hahn, A., Leavitt T., & Aaron P. (1994). Evaluation of the Quantum Opportunities Program (QOP). Did the program work? A report on the post secondary outcomes and cost-effectiveness of the QOP program (1989–1993). Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED385621.pdf.

  • Hale, D. R., & Viner, R. M. (2012). Policy responses to multiple risk behaviours in adolescents. Journal of Public Health, 34(suppl 1), i11–i19. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdr112.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hallfors, D., Cho, H., Brodish, P. H., Flewelling, R., & Khatapoush, S. (2006). Identifying high school students “at risk” for substance use and other behavioral problems: Implications for prevention. Substance Use and Misuse, 41(1), 1–15. doi:10.1080/10826080500318509.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harden, A., Brunton, G., Fletcher, A., Oakley, A., Burchett, H., & Backhans, M. (2006). Young people, pregnancy and social exclusion: A systematic synthesis of research evidence to identify effective, appropriate and promising approaches for prevention and support. London: Institute of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. D., Catalano, R. F., Kosterman, R., Abbott, R., & Hill, K. G. (1999). Preventing adolescent health-risk behaviors by strengthening protection during childhood. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 153(3), 226–234. doi:10.1001/archpedi.153.3.226.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hedges, L. V., & Vevea, J. L. (1998). Fixed-and random-effects models in meta-analysis. Psychological methods, 3(4), 486–504. doi:10.1037/1082-989X.3.4.486.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, J. P., Altman, D. G., Gøtzsche, P. C., Jüni, P., Moher, D., Oxman, A. D., et al. (2011). The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ, 343, d5928. doi:10.1136/bmj.d5928.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, J. P., & Green, S. (Eds.). (2009). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (Vol. 5.0.2). Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, J., & Thompson, S. G. (2002). Quantifying heterogeneity in a meta-analysis. Statistics in Medicine, 21(11), 1539–1558. doi:10.1002/sim.1186.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hill, C. L., LaValley, M. P., & Felson, D. T. (2002). Discrepancy between published report and actual conduct of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 55(8), 783–786. doi:10.1016/S0895-4356(02)00440-7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • HM Government (2010). Positive for youth: A new approach to cross-government policy for young people aged 13–19. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175496/DFE-00133-2011.pdf.

  • Hoffman, S. D., & Maynard, R. A. (2008). Kids having kids: Economic costs and social consequences of teen pregnancy. Washington DC: The Urban Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, C., Geddes, R., Haw, S., & Frank, J. (2012a). Interventions to prevent substance use and risky sexual behaviour in young people: A systematic review. Addiction, 107(4), 733–747. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03751.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, C., Sweeting, H., & Haw, S. (2012b). Clustering of substance use and sexual risk behaviour in adolescence: Analysis of two cohort studies. BMJ Open, 2(1), e000661. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000661.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • *Karcher, M. J. (2005). The effects of developmental mentoring and high school mentors’ attendance on their younger mentees’ self-esteem, social skills, and connectedness. Psychology in the Schools, 42(1), 65–77. doi:10.1002/pits.20025.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Karcher, M. J., Davis, C, I. I. I., & Powell, B. (2002). The effects of developmental mentoring on connectedness and academic achievement. School Community Journal, 12(2), 35–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kipping, R. R., Campbell, R. M., MacArthur, G. J., Gunnell, D. J., & Hickman, M. (2012). Multiple risk behaviour in adolescence. Journal of Public Health, 34(suppl 1), i1–i2. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdr122.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Komro, K. A., Perry, C. L., Veblen-Mortenson, S., Farbakhsh, K., Toomey, T. L., Stigler, M. H., et al. (2008). Outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of a multi-component alcohol use preventive intervention for urban youth: Project Northland Chicago. Addiction, 103(4), 606–618. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.02110.x.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Komro, K. A., Perry, C. L., Williams, C. L., Stigler, M. H., Farbakhsh, K., & Veblen-Mortenson, S. (2001). How did Project Northland reduce alcohol use among young adolescents? Analysis of mediating variables. Health Education Research, 16(1), 59–70. doi:10.1093/her/16.1.59.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, R. W. (2000). Towards a psychology of positive youth development. American Psychologist, 55, 170–183.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *LeCroy, C. W. (2004). Experimental evaluation of “Go Grrrl” preventive intervention for early adolescent girls. Journal of Primary Prevention, 25(4), 457–473. doi:10.1023/B:JOPP.0000048112.10700.89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lerner, R. M. (2006). Developmental science, developmental systems, and contemporary theories. In W. Damon, R. M. Lerner, & R. M. Lerner (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology, Vol. 1: Theoretical models of human development (6th ed., pp. 1–17). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lipsey, m W, & Wilson, D. B. (2001). Practical meta-analysis (Vol. 49). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • *LoSciuto, L., Rajala, A. K., Townsend, T. N., & Taylor, A. S. (1996). An outcome evaluation of across ages: An intergenerational mentoring approach to drug prevention. Journal of Adolescent Research, 11(1), 116–129. doi:10.1177/0743554896111007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maguin, E., & Loeber, R. (1996). Academic performance and delinquency. Crime and Justice, 20, 145–264.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *Maxfield, M., Castner, L., Maralani, V., & Vencill, M. (2003). The Quantum Opportunity Program Demonstration: Implementation findings. Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maynard, R. A. (1996). Kids having kids: A special report on the cost of adolescent childbearing. New York: Robin Wood Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • McVie, S., & Bradshaw, P. (2005). Adolescent smoking, drinking and drug use. Centre for Law and Society: University of Edinburgh.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mirza, K. A. H., & Mirza, S. (2008). Adolescent substance misuse. Psychiatry, 7(8), 357–362. doi:10.1016/j.mppsy.2008.05.011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mistry, R., McCarthy, W. J., Yancey, A. K., Lu, Y., & Patel, M. (2009). Resilience and patterns of health risk behaviors in California adolescents. Preventive Medicine, 48(3), 291–297. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.12.013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. Annals of Internal Medicine, 151(4), 264–269. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-151-4-200908180-00135.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Monahan, D., Greene, V. L., Ditmar, M., & Roloson, T. (2011). Effectiveness of an abstinence-only intervention sited in a neighborhood community center. Journal of Children and Poverty,. doi:10.1080/10796126.2011.532481.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morton, M., & Montgomery, P. (2011). Youth empowerment programs for improving self-efficacy and self-esteem of adolescents. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 7, 5.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Youth Agency (2007). The NYA Guide to Youth Work in England. Leicester: National Youth Agency. Retrieved from http://www.nya.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/The_NYA_Guide_to_Youth_Work_and_Youth_Services.pdf.

  • O’Donnell, L., San Doval, A., Duran, R., Haber, D., Atnafou, R., Piessens, P., et al. (2003). Reach for health: A school sponsored community youth service intervention for middle school students. Los Altos, CA: Sociometrics.

    Google Scholar 

  • *O’Donnell, L., Stueve, A., O’Donnell, C., Duran, R., San Doval, A., Wilson, R., et al. (2002). Long-term reductions in sexual initiation and sexual activity among urban middle schoolers in the Reach for Health service learning program. Journal of Adolescent Health, 31(1), 93–100. doi:10.1016/S1054-139X(01)00389-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Connell, M. E., Boat, T., & Warner, K. E. (Eds.). (2009). Preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people: Progress and possibilities. Washington: National Academies Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Donnell, L., Stueve, A., San Doval, A., Duran, R., Haber, D., Atnafou, R., et al. (1999). The effectiveness of the Reach for Health Community Youth Service learning program in reducing early and unprotected sex among urban middle school students. American Journal of Public Health, 89(2), 176–181. doi:10.2105/AJPH.89.2.176.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Overton, W. F. (2013). A new paradigm for developmental science: Relationism and relational-developmental systems. Applied Developmental Science, 17(2), 94–107.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parkes, A., Wight, D., Henderson, M., & Hart, G. (2007). Explaining associations between adolescent substance use and condom use. Journal of Adolescent Health, 40(2), 180-e1. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2006.09.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parsonage, M. (2009). Diversion: A better way for criminal justice and mental health. London: Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perry, C. L., Lee, S., Stigler, M. H., Farbakhsh, K., Komro, K. A., Gewirtz, A. H., et al. (2007). The impact of Project Northland on selected MMPI-A problem behavior scales. Journal of Primary Prevention, 28(5), 449–465.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Perry, C. L., Williams, C. L., Komro, K. A., Veblen-Mortenson, S., Forster, J. L., Bernstein-Lachter, R., et al. (2000). Project Northland high school interventions: Community action to reduce adolescent alcohol use. Health Education & Behavior, 27(1), 29–49. doi:10.1177/109019810002700105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perry, C. L., Williams, C. L., Komro, K. A., Veblen-Mortenson, S., Stigler, M. H., Munson, K. A., et al. (2002). Project Northland: Long-term outcomes of community action to reduce adolescent alcohol use. Health Education Research, 17(1), 117–132. doi:10.1093/her/17.1.117.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Perry, C. L., Williams, C. L., Veblen-Mortenson, S., Toomey, T. L., Komro, K. A., Anstine, P. S., et al. (1996). Project Northland: Outcomes of a communitywide alcohol use prevention program during early adolescence. American Journal of Public Health, 86(7), 956–965. doi:10.2105/AJPH.86.7.956.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Pettit, G. S., Laird, R. D., Bates, J. E., & Dodge, K. A. (1997). Patterns of after-school care in middle childhood: Risk factors and developmental outcomes. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 1982, 515–538.

    Google Scholar 

  • *Philliber, S., Kaye, J., & Herrling, S. (2001). The national evaluation of the Children’s Aid Society Carrera-Model Program to prevent teen pregnancy. Accord, NY: Philliber Research Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Philliber, S., Kaye, J. W., Herrling, S., & West, E. (2002). Preventing pregnancy and improving health care access among teenagers: An evaluation of the Children’s Aid Society-Carrera Program. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 34(5), 244–251. doi:10.2307/3097823.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Qiao, C., & McNaught, H. (2007). Evaluation of project K. Retrieved from Ministry of Social Development website http://thehub.superu.govt.nz/sites/default/files/40181_project_k_0.pdf.

  • Resnick, M. D., Bearman, P. S., Blum, R. W., Bauman, K. E., Harris, K. M., Jones, J., et al. (1997). Protecting adolescents from harm: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. JAMA, 278(10), 823–832. doi:10.1001/jama.1997.03550100049038.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Reyna, V. F., & Mills, B. A. (2014). Theoretically motivated interventions for reducing sexual risk taking in adolescence: A randomized controlled experiment applying fuzzy-trace theory. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(4), 1627–1648. doi:10.1037/a0036717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rhodes, J. E., Reddy, R., & Grossman, J. B. (2005). The protective influence of mentoring on adolescents’ substance use: Direct and indirect pathways. Applied Developmental Science, 9(1), 31–47. doi:10.1207/s1532480xads0901_4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rhodes, J. E., Reddy, R., Grossman, J. B., & Maxine Lee, J. (2002). Volunteer mentoring relationships with minority youth: An analysis of same-versus cross-race matches. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 32(10), 2114–2133. doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2002.tb02066.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez-Planas, N. (2010). Longer-term impacts of mentoring, educational services, and incentives to learn: Evidence from a randomized trial in the United States. Bonn, Institute for the Stud of Labor. Retrieved from ftp.iza.org/dp4754.pdf.

  • Rosenthal, R. (1979). The file drawer problem and tolerance for null results. Psychological Bulletin, 86(3), 638–641. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.86.3.638.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, J. L., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2003a). What exactly is a youth development program? Answers from research and practice. Applied Developmental Science, 7, 94–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, J. L., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2003b). Youth development programs: Risk, prevention and policy. Journal of Adolescent Health, 32(3), 170–182.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, J. L., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2016). Evaluating youth development programs: Progress and promise. Applied Developmental Science, 20(3), 188–202. doi:10.1080/10888691.2015.1113879.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, J., Brooks-Gunn, J., Murray, L., & Foster, W. (1998). Promoting healthy adolescents: Synthesis of youth development program evaluations. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 8(4), 423–459. doi:10.1207/s15327795jra0804_2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scales, P. C., Benson, P. L., Oesterle, S., Hill, K. G., Hawkins, J. D., & Pashak, T. J. (2016). The dimensions of successful young adult development: A conceptual and measurement framework. Applied Developmental Science, 20(3), 150–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schirm, A., & Rodriguez-Planas, N. (2004). The Quantum Opportunity Program demonstration: Initial post-intervention impacts. Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schirm, A., Rodriguez-Planas, N., Maxfield, M., & Tuttle, C. (2003). The Quantum Opportunity Program demonstration: Short-term impacts. Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott, S., Knapp, M., Henderson, J., & Maughan, B. (2001). Financial cost of social exclusion: Follow up study of antisocial children into adulthood. BMJ, 323(7306), 191. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7306.191.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Scottish Government. (2009). Valuing Young people: Principles and connections to support young people achieve their potential. Edinburgh: Scottish Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shepherd, J., Kavanagh, J., Picot, J., Cooper, K., Harden, A., Barnett-Page, E., et al. (2010). The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioural interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in young people aged 13–19: A systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technology Assessment, 14(7), 1–230. doi:10.3310/hta14070.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spencer, M. B., & Spencer, T. R. (2014). Exploring the promises, intricacies and challenges to positive youth development. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43, 1027–1035.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg, L. (2004). Risk taking in adolescence: What changes, and why? Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1021(1), 51–58. doi:10.1196/annals.1308.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sterne, J. A., & Egger, M. (2001). Funnel plots for detecting bias in meta-analysis: Guidelines on choice of axis. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 54(10), 1046–1055. doi:10.1016/S0895-4356(01)00377-8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stigler, M. H., Perry, C. L., Komro, K. A., Cudeck, R., & Williams, C. L. (2006). Teasing apart a multiple component approach to adolescent alcohol prevention: What worked in Project Northland? Prevention Science, 7(3), 269–280.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J., & Resch, N. (1995). Making a difference: An impact study of big brother big sisters. Philadephia, CA, Public/Private Ventures. Retrieved from http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/111_publication.pdf.

  • Tolan, P. (2016). Positive youth development interventions: Advancing evaluation theory and practice. Applied Developmental Science, 20(3), 147–149. doi:10.1080/10888691.2015.1014485.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tolan, P. H., Guerra, N. G., & Kendall, P. C. (1995). A developmental-ecological perspective on anti-social behaviour in children and adolescents: Toward a unified risk and intervention framework. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(4), 579–584. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.63.4.579.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trenholm, C., Devaney, B., Fortson, K., Clark, M., Quay, L., & Wheeler, J. (2008). Impacts of abstinence education on teen sexual activity, risk of pregnancy, and risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 27(2), 255–276. doi:10.1002/pam.20324.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • *Trenholm, C., Devaney, B., Fortson, K., Quay, K., Wheeler, J., & Clark, M. (2007). Impacts of Four Title V, Section 510 Abstinence Education Programs. Final Report. Department of Health and Human Services, US, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

  • Walker G., & Vilella-Velez, F (1992). Testing the model. In: Anatomy of a demonstration: The Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) from pilot through replication and post program impacts. Philadelphia, PA: Public/Private Ventures.

  • Walker G., & Vilella-Velez, F. (1992). Long-term impacts. In: Anatomy of a demonstration: The Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) from pilot through replication and post program impacts. Philadelphia, PA: Public/Private Ventures.

  • Wellings, K., Nanchahal, K., Macdowall, W., McManus, S., Erens, B., Mercer, C. H., et al. (2001). Sexual behaviour in Britain: Early heterosexual experience. The Lancet, 358(9296), 1843–1850. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06885-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • *West, B., Abatemarco, D., Ohman-Strickland, P. A., Zec, V., Russo, A., & Milic, R. (2008). Project Northland in Croatia: Results and lessons learned. Journal of Drug Education, 38(1), 55–70. doi:10.2190/DE.38.1.e.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler, S. B. (2010). Effects of self-esteem and academic performance on adolescent decision-making: An examination of early sexual intercourse and illegal substance use. Journal of Adolescent Health, 47(6), 582–590. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.04.009.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiefferink, C. H., Peters, L., Hoekstra, F., Ten Dam, G., Buijs, G. J., & Paulussen, T. G. (2006). Clustering of health-related behaviors and their determinants: Possible consequences for school health interventions. Prevention Science, 7(2), 127–149.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organisation. (2014). Global status report on health and alcohol. Geneva: Switzerland, World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zief, S. G., Lauver, S., & Maynard, R. A. (2006). Impacts of after-school programs on student outcomes: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews,. doi:10.4073/csr.2006.3.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author Contributions

OA, KG and AE conceived of the study. OA conducted the literature searches, data analysis and drafted the manuscript. KG participated in study design, statistical analysis, quality assessment and helped to draft the manuscript. KP contributed to study design, quality assessment and manuscript revision. AE participated in study design and co-ordination. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Conflicts of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Ethical Standards

As a review of previous research, this study did not directly involve the use of human participants or animals.

Ethical Approval

No specific ethical approval was sought in the production of this review.

Informed Consent

Where relevant, authors of studies included in this review were contacted for permission to use their data and to seek unpublished data.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Team, Kings Cross Hospital, NHS Tayside, Clepington Road, Dundee, DD3 8EA, UK

    Oana Ciocanel & Ann Eriksen

  2. School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK

    Kevin Power

  3. Area Psychological Therapies Service, NHS Tayside, 7 Dudhope Terrace, Dundee, DD3 6HG, UK

    Kevin Power

  4. Psychology Department, Stratheden Hospital, NHS Fife, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5RR, Scotland

    Kirsty Gillings

Authors
  1. Oana Ciocanel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kevin Power
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ann Eriksen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kirsty Gillings
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kirsty Gillings.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ciocanel, O., Power, K., Eriksen, A. et al. Effectiveness of Positive Youth Development Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Youth Adolescence 46, 483–504 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0555-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0555-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation