Developmental assets as predictors of Albanian adolescents’ life satisfaction

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between Positive Youth Development (PYD) Internal and External assets and life satisfaction among Albanian adolescents. Data were collected from a sample of 409 Albanian students aged 14-19 years using the Developmental Assets Profile and the Life Satisfaction Scale. The sample included the majority group (51%) and various minority groups in Albania. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore the association between PYD assets, demographic variables, and perceived life satisfaction. The results revealed significant differences in Internal and External assets across all groups, with life satisfaction reported at a moderate positive level. Gender and minority group differences were observed in the relationship between assets and life satisfaction. The findings of this study reveal that the ten Positive Youth Development (PYD) assets serve as predictors for life satisfaction. Additionally, it was observed that the same set of ten PYD assets acts as a predictor for life satisfaction. These results provide valuable insights into the implementation of PYD strategies and the impact they have on life satisfaction within an under-researched community.

A scoping review of the research evidence of the developmental assets model in Europe

“…Research has shown that a good family climate and organization is relevant for the promotion of DA and can lead skills’ development ( Ryan and Deci, 2017 ). Moreover, this effect may moderate some vulnerabilities that limit the experience of DA ( Soares et al, 2019 ; Miconi et al, 2023 ; Dervishi et al, 2024 ) and reduce the decrease in DA found in older ages ( Scales et al, 2016 ), as found in the study by Vrdoljak et al (2023) . Assets’ development in family and community may help youth to reach an adaptive transition thanks to their role as asset generators ( Benson, 2007 ).…”

“…Empowerment scores were found to be elevated in Croatian ( Vrdoljak et al, 2023 ), Norwegian ( Wiium et al, 2019 , 2021 ), Portuguese ( Soares et al, 2019 ), Slovenian ( Fernandes et al, 2021 ), and Spanish ( Gomez-Baya et al, 2022b ) youth. The lowest scores for the Boundary-expectations and Empowerment categories were observed in ethnic minority adolescents from Albania ( Dervishi et al, 2024 ) while in adolescents from Kosovo the lowest score was observed in Empowerment ( Fernandes et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Conversely, mental health problems were negatively associated with internal and external DA ( Wiium et al, 2021 ). Several researchers have concluded that the Internal Assets presented stronger effect on psychological adjustment than the External ones ( Wiium et al, 2019 ; Soares et al, 2020a , b ; Gomez-Baya et al, 2022b ; Dervishi et al, 2024 ). However, a study conducted with an Albanian sample found no relationship between DA and risky behaviors ( Miconi et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Its presence has been positively associated with External Assets ( Dost-Gözkan et al, 2021 ) and has been found to be a protective element against anxiety ( Gomez-Baya et al, 2022a ) and prolonged sadness ( Wiium et al, 2021 ). Several studies have found a positive association with well-being ( Miconi et al, 2023 ), life satisfaction ( Dervishi et al, 2024 ). and positive Boundary-expectations (External Asset; Dost-Gözkan et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Family context has been shown to be crucial in promoting positive developmental outcomes for adolescents, including protection against risky behaviors ( Soares et al, 2019 ; Dost-Gözkan et al, 2021 ; Wiium et al, 2021 ; Dervishi et al, 2024 ). However, in certain countries, such as Albania, lower levels of well-being have been found, particularly among ethnic minority youth, such as Roma and Egyptians adolescents ( Miconi et al, 2023 ).…”