Evaluation of an Active Citizenship Intervention Based on Youth-Led Participatory Action Research

Abstract

Youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) is a theoretical–methodological approach that has been designed to promote positive development (e.g., well-being and health, social–emotional and cognitive development, academic or career advancement) and civic engagement among young people. Although YPAR holds particular promise, there has been little systematic assessment of its effects. Moreover, no study has investigated the role of YPAR in the promotion of active citizenship. We report on an effectiveness evaluation of a YPAR project designed to promote European active citizenship (i.e., identification and attitudes toward a political entity, institutional trust, participation, and political alienation) and social well-being among adolescents. Our sample included 69 Italian high school students (35 in the intervention group; 34 in the control group). We evaluated the impact of YPAR using a pretest–posttest control group design and fitting the generalized estimating equations procedure. The results showed that participants in the intervention group reported increased scores on social well-being, institutional trust, and participation and decreased scores on political alienation compared with the control group. We found no significant effects for identification as European and attitudes toward a political entity. Findings support the benefits of YPAR in terms of social well-being and active citizenship.

Involving Children in Creating a Healthy Environment in Low Socioeconomic Position (SEP) Neighborhoods in The Netherlands: A Participatory Action Research (PAR) Project

“…Participation of children in their study led to critical awareness, leadership, and collaboration skills among participants, which contributed to increased feelings of empowerment. This is also in line with the vision of stimulating active citizenship through participation that is encouraged with children from an early age onwards in schools and communities [58].…”

Between Rhetoric and Reality: Learnings From Youth Participation in the Adolescent and Youth Health Policy in South Africa

“…As documented by Cluver et al 73 participatory research approaches, such as youth participatory action research, photo-voice, and digital modes, can acknowledge and attempt to address the power imbalances that privilege researchers and adult perspectives and agendas, as well as challenge top-down policy development. [74][75][76][77][78][79] However, it is also important to be aware of the relevant methodological, pedagogical approaches as well as tensions, power relations and potential resistance by policy-makers and other actors. 11,[80][81][82][83][84] In this way researchers can play a role as mediators, facilitators and partners, to address the research gaps, development of toolkits/resources and contribute evidence.…”

Child‐Led Participation: A Scoping Review of Empirical Studies

“…The main area in which the selected studies are developed is the school environment, with topics such as school absenteeism, social inequalities, health, and social justice. Several of the studies about participatory projects developed from YPAR highlight the potential of this methodology as a way to foster civic engagement of young people, the democratisation of knowledge, critical thinking, institutional trust, as well as social, emotional, and cognitive development of young people (Buckley-Marudas & Soltis, 2019;Chou et al, 2015;Participedia, 2016;Prati et al, 2020). Likewise, research such as that of Abraczinskas and Zarrett (2020), Anselma et al (2020), Chou et al (2015) demonstrate YPAR's effectiveness in promoting the leadership of vulnerable children and young people in participatory processes that enable them to propose actions in line with their needs and interests and to empower themselves.…”