Do Youth Development Programs Matter? An Examination of Transitions and Well-Being Among Military Youth

Type
Summary

Well-being is of paramount concern during adolescence, particularly for military youth who experience unique stressors associated with military lifestyle. This study examined the relationship between risk factors (e.g., parental deployment), participation in Army sponsored extracurricular programs, and youth well-being in a sample of 11 to 14 year-olds. Results suggested that supportive social relationships were related to improved well-being. Although several risk factors were related to decreased well-being, participation in extracurricular activities buffered the negative impact of these risk factors.

Citation
Richardson, E. W., Mallette, J. K., O'Neal, C. W., Mancini, J. A. (2016). Do Youth Development Programs Matter? An Examination of Transitions and Well-Being Among Military Youth. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25, 1765-1776. doi:10.1007/s10826-016-0361-5