Factors that promote positive Chinese youth development: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT How can we help Chinese youth thrive? To begin to address this question, the present study explored the promotive factors (i.e., the individual strengths and environmental assets) that enhance Chinese youths’ healthy development. Interviews were conducted with Chinese adolescents (n = 12), their teachers (n = 12), and their parents (n = 20). Findings highlight six individual strengths, including goal setting, sparks, self-reliance, goal-oriented hard work, self-improvement, and intention to contribute, and four categories of environmental assets, including supportive relational networks, rules and expectations, opportunities and activities, and promotive climates. Some of the promotive factors that emerged are similar to ones identified as relevant to western youth, and others appear to be particular to Chinese youth. Findings have important implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in supporting the healthy development of Chinese adolescents.