Youth‐led activities associated with positive competence changes in a community‐based program for adolescents

This study examined the types of youth‐led activities performed during the community‐based program “Building My Future” and their impact on personal, problem‐solving, and community competences. At‐risk and non‐at‐risk adolescents ( N = 410) participated in 49 groups in the local social services. Different types of pre‐intervention and intervention activities and the meetings held with external resources were associated with pre‐post changes in self‐concept, productive task orientation, connectedness, coping skills, participation, and integration with the community, using cluster analyses. Results showed that adolescents who performed the pre‐intervention activity carried out more modules and performed more intervention activities. Performing group dynamics as a pre‐intervention activity, carrying out creative activities, volunteering, excursions, and games, but no sports, and meeting up with associations were related to the most positive changes in at‐risk groups. Non‐at‐risk groups that mainly participated in amusing activities experienced a decrease in their competence scores. This shows the relevance of the types of self‐selected activities carried out when promoting positive development and can serve as guidance for future community work.