Age-Varying Associations of 5Cs of Positive Youth Development and Depressive 2 Symptoms: Differences by Gender

• In Event: Fostering Positive Adolescent Development: International Perspectives

Abstract

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is key in protecting against depressive symptoms in adolescents. This study, involving 68,425 Chinese adolescents aged 10-17, used time-varying effect modeling (TVEM) to examine age-varying and gender differences in associations between the 5Cs of PYD and depressive symptoms. Competence, confidence, character, and connection showed moderate negative associations with depressive symptoms, while caring had weaker correlations. Gender differences were significant, with girls showing stronger associations in early- to middle-adolescence. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific PYD interventions, especially for girls.

Author

• Xinli Chi, Shenzhen University