Topic Archive
Youth
Youth
Research Link
Exploring the role of the “Big Three” features of effective youth development programs in El Salvador: The sample case of programs of Compassion International
Authors Jonathan M. Tirrell, Samuel W. Hay, Patricia K.Gansert, Trang U. Le, Bridget C. O'Neil, Jennifer M. vaughn, Leanne Bishara, Jacqueline V. Lerner, Pamela Ebstyne King, Elizabeth M. Dowling, Kate Williams, Guillermo Iraheta, Alistair T.R. Sim, Richard M. Lerner Abstract Programs effective in promoting positive youth development (PYD) involve curricular features termed the Big Three: Positive and sustained adult–youth relationships; life-skill-building activities; and youth contribution and leadership opportunities. Data from 610 adolescents (50% female; M age = 16.39 years, SD = 1.83) enrolled in Compassion International-supported programs in El Salvador indicated that scores derived from a youth-report measure of the Big Three, established using data from Rwanda,...
Thriving
Post
The Power of Storytelling: Shaping Future Generations with Our Past
Rodrigo Riveros discusses the importance of life stories in promoting brain development and meaning-making in adolescents.
Spirituality
Research Link
Developmental Perspectives on Adolescent Religious and Spiritual Development
Authors: Pamela Ebstyne King, Sam A. Hardy, and Sean Noe Abstract: Despite the prevalence of religiousness and spirituality among adolescents, little is known about the psychology of adolescent religious and spiritual development. The purpose of this article is to explain how scholars within the discipline of developmental psychology have begun to approach the topic. Specifically, the article details how developmental theory advances understanding of religious and spiritual development and overviews developmental methods that enable rigorous examination of the structure and function of adolescent religious and spiritual development. A Relational Developmental Systems metatheoretical approach, emphasizing longitudinal methods, is utilized to highlight...
Youth
Post
Sense of Purpose and Thriving: A College Student’s Perspective
A college student reflects on the importance of finding a sense of purpose as the key to thriving in college.
Youth
Post
Empowering Youth to Thrive With, Through, and By Faith
Dr. Meredith Hope discusses the role of religion in youth thriving and ways caring adults can help enable spirituality in adolescence.
Youth
Research Link
Interrogating ergodicity and specificity in youth development programs in El Salvador
Authors Jonathan M. Tirrell (a), Patricia K. Gansert (a), Elizabeth M. Dowling (a), Kate Williams (b), Guillermo Iraheta (c), Jacqueline V. Lerner (d), Pamela Ebstyne King (e), Alistair T.R. Sim (b), Richard M. Lerner (a) a. Tufts University, USA b. Compassion International, USA c. Compassion International, El Salvador d . Boston College, USA e. Fuller Theological Seminary, USA Abstract Researchers and evaluators interested in
Spirituality
Research Link
Evaluating the measure of diverse adolescent spirituality in samples of Mexican and Salvadoran youth
Authors King, P. E., Yoo, Y., Vaughn, J. M., Tirrell, J. M., Geldhof, G. J., Iraheta, G., Williams, K., Sim, A., Stephenson, P., Dowling, E., Lerner, R. M., & Lerner, J. V. Abstract This study examines the psychometric properties and applicability of the Measure of Diverse Adolescent Spirituality (MDAS), including the factors of transcendence and fidelity, across 2 samples of adolescent youth from low- and middle-income countries (Mexico and El Salvador). Drawing on relational developmental systems metatheory, spirituality is conceptualized as experience of and response to one’s perception of transcendence. Although an increasing number of spirituality measures exist,...
Practices
Post
Tips for Thriving Through Unpredictable Times
Move from surviving to thriving by using the six tips in this post. Explore the links for deeper understanding.
Spirituality
Research Link
The Measure of Diverse Adolescent Spirituality (MDAS) and Refined Findings from Mexican and Salvadoran Youth
Authors: Pamela E.King, Yeonsoo Yoo, Jennifer Medina Vaughn, jonathan M.Tirrell, G. John Geldhof, and Elizabeth Dowling Abstract: The Measurement of Diverse Adolescent Spirituality (MDAS) was developed to assess adolescent spirituality and religiosity for use with diverse youth. Researchers have emphasized the multifaceted nature of spirituality and suggested the need for robust measures to chart patterns of spiritual development in a culturally and developmentally valid manner. The MDAS was developed as a theory-based measure, grounded in a relational developmental systems metatheory (RDS), that views spiritual development as resulting from the coactions between an individual and the diverse systems in which...
Emotions
Post
Kids and Anxious Minds (Part 2): Practices to Help Kids Cope During Times of Anxiety
Student researchers share 3 research-based techniques to increase relaxation, support positive behaviors, and create a structured routine for kids.
Emotions
Post
Kids and Anxious Minds (Part 1): How Parents Can Support Children Struggling with Anxiety
Student researchers recommend 3 evidence-based interventions that parents can use to help regulate kids' stress and emotions at home.
Youth
Video
Spiritual & Mental Health for Children/Teens During COVID-19
Summary What impact has the pandemic had on the mental and spiritual health of children and teens, and how can the church help? Hosted by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute and National Association of Evangelicals, this webinar discusses how the church can respond to the spiritual and mental health needs of children and teens as parents and educators prepare for the back-to-school season during the COVID-19 pandemic. CEO of KidzMatter, Ryan Frank, clinical psychologist at Florissa Center, Beth Cunningham and executive director of the Thrive Center, Pamela King share insights and answers to the questions looming in many church leaders’ minds.
...
...