Bidirectional associations between positive youth development and contribution: implications for programs and policies

According to the 5 C Model of Positive Youth Development, contribution to self, family, and community is considered the outcome of positive youth development. The present study aimed to examine the cross-lagged relationships between the 5Cs of positive youth development and participation in after-school activities as an indicator of contribution. Two-wave panel data gathered more than 1700 Croatian high school students. Hypotheses were tested using a cross-lagged path model. The results suggest that there is a bidirectional association: While after-school activities promote 5Cs a year later, the level of 5Cs in first year of high school predicts participation in activities that contribute to the self but not in activities that contribute to the community in second year of high school. In the context of our findings, if we want to promote adolescents’ contribution it is also necessary to advocate for youth engagement and ensure the availability of leisure activities.