Modelling Positive Youth Development, Life Satisfaction and Problem Behaviour among Youths in Malaysia
The main purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among positive development, life satisfaction and problem behaviour. Promoting positive development influences youths to achieve life satisfaction and refrain them from becoming involved in problem behaviour activities. Data was collec...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
IDOSI Publications
2014
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/5476/1/FH02-FPPP%20-14-01246.pdf http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/5476/ |
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| Summary: | The main purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among positive development, life
satisfaction and problem behaviour. Promoting positive development influences youths to achieve life
satisfaction and refrain them from becoming involved in problem behaviour activities. Data was collected
amongst youth participating in the youth programmes organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sport at five
different locations. The selection of respondents was performed using area and systematic sampling technique.
The data was collected using self- administered questionnaires comprising items to measure constructs in the
study on a 10-point agreement and disagreement scale. Positive youth development was measured using items
developed by Shek et al. [1] and life satisfaction was measured using Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)
developed by Diener et al. [2]. The items to measure problem behaviour were adapted from [3]. The final part
of the questionnaire contained items pertaining to respondent’s demographic characteristics. The data was
analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings of the study suggested that positive youth
development was manifested by self-determination, bonding, pro-social norms and social competence. Problem
behaviour was measured by substance abuse and intention to engage in problem behaviour. Moreover, the
findings of the study supported the proposed hypothesis that positive development has positive relationship
with life satisfaction and life satisfaction has negative relationship with problem behaviour. The findings also
suggested that youths with higher level of positive development are more satisfied with life. |
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