Commonalities and specificities of positive youth development in the U.S. and Taiwan

Abstract

This study examined commonalities and specificities of the Five Cs Model of positive youth development (PYD) in 15-year-old youth samples across the U.S. and Taiwan. The full battery of the Five Cs measure (78 items) were administered to both samples. The Five Cs model was identified and partial metric and partial scalar measurement invariance was established between the two samples using bi-factor models. Experiences related to the Five Cs contributed to the development of an overarching PYD factor, which was associated with increased contribution and lower depressive symptomatology for all youth. Most observed differences were related to the five residual Cs, possibly reflecting the divergent experiences of youth across the two nations. Our findings support Bornstein`s Specificity Principle by suggesting that adaptive outcomes were likely determined by the extent of alignment between the specific individuals and their specific rearing or cultural contexts. Implications, limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.