""This isn't about adding one more initiative or program - it's about changing how adults show up for young people every day," said Heather Wynkoop Beach, ACT for Youth's director of capacity building."
"Research shows that positive youth development approaches are linked to significantly higher levels of resilience among participants and improvements in well-being."
"One study conducted with more than 1,000 young people in China found that PYD approaches helped students improve life satisfaction, reduce depression symptoms, and reduce the likelihood of delinquency."
In 2024, nearly 1 in 5 adolescents experienced a major depressive episode, with 40% of high schoolers feeling persistently sad or hopeless. Schools report a 53% increase in demand for mental health services. Positive youth development (PYD) focuses on nurturing strengths rather than just addressing problems. Research shows PYD approaches lead to higher resilience and improved well-being. ACT for Youth has been implementing PYD strategies for over 20 years, supporting over 100 organizations to help youth thrive by changing adult interactions with young people.
#youth-mental-health #positive-youth-development #adolescent-depression #mental-health-services #resilience
Read at Psychology Today
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