The five C-S of positive youth development and life purpose among Roma and Egyptian minority adolescents in Albania

Abstract

The 5Cs model of Positive Youth Development focuses on thriving adolescents who develop positivequalities, which are known to help them deal with challenges, tasks, and psychological concerns. LifePurpose acts as a protective factor in relation to the general well-being of adolescents and supports the5Cs through this process of growth. The aim of this study is to examine the role of the 5Cs of PYD, namelyCompetence, Confidence, Connection, Caring, and Character, and how Life Purpose is explained by the 5Cs. There is no precedent study on the 5Cs model of positive youth development in Albania. In specific, this study investigated the 5Cs of PYD for the two most marginalized minority groups in Albania, the Roma, and Egyptian communities. Data were collected from 201 participants from the three most populated cities with Roma minority (N=100) and Egyptian minority (N=101), aged between 14-20 years old. Association between the 5Cs and purpose in life was found. Life Purpose has an association with Character, Caring, and Connection. In interaction with 5Cs, Life Purpose provides a framework for systematic behavior in life by motivating adolescents to plan and make efforts to achieve in decision-making and performance.

Risk behaviors and well-being among Egyptian and Roma adolescents in Albania during the COVID-19 pandemic: Vulnerability and resilience in a positive youth development perspective

“…Indeed, Miconi et al (2021a) reported that discrimination from peers and teachers were common experiences among Egyptian and Roma youth in Albania, and that schools were often perceived as unsafe and violent places. The segregation of Roma and Egyptian children and adolescents in schools is common in Albania and represents a timely and hot political issue in the country ( Dervishi et al, 2021 ; Likmeta, 2022 ; Taylor, 2022 ). It is urgent that the structural violence, segregation and marginalization of Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania and in Europe are acknowledged and addressed by prevention and intervention efforts.…”

“…For instance, although there was a reduction in school drop-out, rates still remain the highest in the country, with 1 to 5% of Egyptian and Roma people who have completed secondary education versus 94.5% for the overall population in Albania ( Home Office, 2017 ; Psacharopoulos, 2017 ). Noteworthy, the pandemic represented an additional risk factor for school drop-out among Egyptian and Roma adolescents who were still enrolled in school because of barriers in attending online classes due to lack of internet connection and space at home ( Dervishi et al, 2021 ; Miconi et al, 2021a ).…”