The Importance of the 5Cs of Positive Youth Development to Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study with University Students from Peru and Spain

Abstract

Background: Prior research has documented the protective role of the 5Cs of Positive Youth Development (PYD) on adjustment problems, such as depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, more research is needed, especially in non-US contexts. The main objective of the present study was to assess associations between the 5Cs and depressive symptoms in Peru and Spain, considering gender differences across contexts. Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected from undergraduate students from Peru [n = 250] and Spain [n = 1044]. Results: The results revealed significant negative associations of Competence, Confidence, Character and Connection with depressive symptoms, while Caring was positively and significantly related to depressive symptoms in both samples. Regarding gender differences, female undergraduates in both samples reported high levels of Caring, while Competence was predominant among males compared to females in both countries. Likewise, higher scores in Competence and Confidence were registered among Peruvian male undergraduates compared to Spanish students, while Caring and Character were more prevalent in Spanish female undergraduates compared to Peruvian students. Conclusions: These findings confirm the importance of targeting the 5Cs of PYD alongside the role of gender and country context in intervention programs, put together to address the mental health of students in Peru and Spain.

Mapping Developmental Assets in Kosovo’s Youth: Insights into the Internal Cohesion Psychotherapeutic Process for Young People Experiencing Anxiety and Depression: A Qualitative Study

“…The five Cs of PYD-Competence, Connection, Confidence, Character, and Caring-are identified as such strategies. While studies show a negative correlation between the first four Cs and depression, they also reveal a positive correlation between Caring and depressive symptoms, suggesting that high empathy and emotional sensitivity may heighten vulnerability to anxiety and depression [25]. These insights emphasize the role of therapeutic interventions like ICP in cultivating internal strengths and resilience, demonstrating their alignment with PYD principles [26,27].…”

Demographics and Five Cs of PYD as Predictors of the Domains of Contribution among Youth in Nigeria

“…This present study aligns with the study of Conway et al [34] where confidence, connection, character, and caring had a substantial and advantageous link with thriving. The mean scores of each of the Cs seem to be low when compared to that found among youth in Peru and Spain where the highest to lowest mean range from 4.21 to 3.06 [72] while in Norway, Mesfin [73] found that the youth sampled experienced more caring, character, competence, confidence, and connection. This could imply that these Cs are present but not to their fullest in the youth sampled in this current study.…”

“…However, there is a need for caution since the majority of the participants in this current study were females. Although, it is common in previous studies that males scored higher in the 5Cs than females [10], in some studies females reported more caring and character than their male counterparts who reported more competence, confidence, and connection [37,72,73].…”

“…Regarding gender differences, [72], a study conducted in Spain and Peru highlighted the importance of the 5Cs where females had higher scores in caring and character while males reported competence, confidence, and connection. Similarly, Mesfin [73] investigated the presence of the 5Cs of PYD among 220 youth from 16 to 20 years old in the eastern and western parts of Norway.…”

A Scoping Review of the Evidence of the 5Cs Model of Positive Youth Development in Europe

“…Many investigations with samples from various European countries examined in their results whether men and women presented a different patterns in the development of the 5Cs. Generally, men scored higher on the dimensions of Confidence and Competence, whereas women performed likewise on Caring, Character and Connection [34,[52][53][54][55][56][57].…”