Handbook of Positive Youth Development: Advancing Research, Policy and Practice in Global Contexts

This Handbook advances Positive Youth Development (PYD) scholarship among youth and emerging adults from a global international perspective. Its outstanding feature is the focus on a strength-based conception of development in large underrepresented cultural groups. The volume stands apart from current books on PYD by focusing on vast geographic regions (e.g., Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas) and fresh international perspectives. Noteworthy highlights are (1) advancement of theoretical and empirical knowledge base on PYD in global contexts; (2) refinement of methodological issues and PYD measurement in under researched contexts; (3) integration of PYD scholarship with relevant research, policy, and practice. A prominent theme regards the promotion of the new generation of PYD scholarship in underrepresented global contexts. The Handbook is organized along two major categories for a total of 37 chapters across 38 countries representing voices from 22,083 youth and emerging adults living in various parts of the world. Part I PYD in Global Contexts presents 17 chapters with new PYD conceptualizations (the 7Cs model) and research examples from India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Ghana, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Belize, Brazil, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Iceland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Romania. Part II PYD Applications and Interventions presents 18 chapters on innovative approaches, reviews and programs in a noteworthy diverse contexts in China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, Jamaica, South Africa, Slovenia, Lithuania, Finland, Norway, Canada and the United States. With unique contributions, diverse samples and global approaches to research, policy and practice, this Handbook offers a comprehensive and inclusive collection of PYD conventional and contemporary perspectives to a wide range of social scientists, students, professionals, policy makers and practitioners from a variety of disciplines (positive, developmental, cross-cultural, social and community psychology, well-being, child and family studies, education, prevention, intercultural relations, anthropology, sociology, methodology, counseling, emerging adulthood, intervention and implementation science).