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Evaluation of a positive youth development program based on the repertory grid test
1Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong. daniel.shek@polyu.edu.hk
Thescientificworldjournal
|May 18, 2012
Summary
Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) improved adolescent self-identity and resilience. The repertory grid test effectively measured these positive changes in Hong Kong youth.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Program Evaluation
Background:
- Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) is a youth development initiative.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of such programs is crucial for understanding their impact on adolescent well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong using the repertory grid test.
- To measure self-identity changes in adolescent participants post-program involvement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the repertory grid test, grounded in personal construct psychology.
- Collected quantitative and qualitative data from 104 program participants.
- Employed a personal construct theory-based repertory grid for evaluation.
Main Results:
- Participants reported enhanced self-understanding and increased resilience.
- Adolescents perceived themselves as closer to their ideal selves and positive role models.
- A movement away from self-perception as a 'loser' was observed.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for the effectiveness of Project P.A.T.H.S. Tier 1 Program in the Chinese cultural context.
- The repertory grid test is validated as a valuable tool for evaluating self-identity shifts in positive youth development programs.
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