Exploring Culturally Adaptive Definitions and Measurement of Positive Youth Development among Second-generation Chinese American Youth: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This research aims to explore cultually adaptable definisitions and measurement of Positive Youth Development for second-generation Chinese American youth. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 second-generation Chinese American youth (ages 12–18) and developed survey items for future quantitative PYD research. Using both inductive and deductive analysese, the study identified 118 items for a PYD measure, revealing six potential constructs, the Five Cs (Competence, Confidence, Character, Caring, and Connection), and a novel construct, Culture. The findings suggest that the positive development of Chinese American youth may differ from the conventional PYD model, emphasizing the importance of including Culture as a distinct construct. The research provides valuable insights into PYD among second-generation Chinese American youth, offering a theoretically and developmentally appropriate approach for assessing their positive development. The inclusion of Culture as a distinct construct expands the understanding of PYD within this population and underscores the need for nuanced considerations in future research and intervention efforts.