Positive youth development in preadolescence: The contribution of recent theoretical paradigms and positive, strengths based interventions

An increasing number of studies has been conducted on preadolescents development adopting a “positive view” of them rather than focusing on problems they may encounter while growing up. Three different perspectives have been evidenced in the literature and summarized in this paper, namely Positive Youth Development (PYD) which has its roots in the Developmental System Theory, Positive Psychology with attention to values and strengths and, thirdly, Life Design a recently developed approach in career counseling studies. With the analysis of studies carried out with preadolescents according to each of the considered perspectives, the relevance of addressing positive characteristics of preadolescents and fostering their development is underlined. Relevant interventions adopting a positive approach are described with an emphasis on positive changes prompted by these activities during preadolescence. Finally, conclusions about effectiveness of positive, strength based interventions and on their potential in prevention are proposed with suggestions for future programs.