Journal of Adolescent Research, Ahead of Print.
This study aimed to investigate if and how the Five Cs were related to the perception of program outcomes in different PYD programs in Aotearoa/New Zealand. A qualitative, exploratory methodology was employed within a critical realist epistemology, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 110 youth, aged 12 – 25 years, and 17 staff in 14 different local PYD programs. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. Inductive analysis identified nine key program outcomes which were then assessed against the Five Cs, plus Contribution and Creativity, noting areas of similarity and local difference. The study concludes that although youth and staff perception of program outcomes broadly align with the Five Cs, belonging and positive identity, key themes in the data, are not well captured in current Five Cs definitions. Local definitions which highlight these contextual and cultural nuances are proposed. The findings provide a basis to further understand localized PYD in a global field and may be a valuable comparison point for others to explore the Five Cs in their contexts.