Latent Profile Analysis of Youth Social-Emotional Adjustment, Prosocial Behavior, and Academic Competence

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Abstract

The Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework highlights that all youth have the potential for growth, though strengths vary across individuals. This study explored variability in three PYD-related strengths: social-emotional adjustment, prosocial behavior, and academic competence. Data were from 1,719 children and adolescents (ages 6–17) in Wave 1 of National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Using Latent Profile Analysis on seven indicators identified four profiles: Social-Emotional-Behavioral Vulnerable (20%), Academically Struggling (16%), Academically Competent with Emotional-Behavioral Challenges (36%), and Well-Functioning (28%). These profiles reveal diverse combinations of strengths and difficulties, emphasizing the importance of individualized intervention. Tailored support, especially to enhance social and emotional skills, helps youth more effectively navigate key developmental tasks and reach their full potential.

Authors

• Gen Li, University of South Florida

• Jie Luo, University of Connecticut