Subjective Outcome Evaluation of a Positive Youth Development Program in Mainland China

• Published in: Research on social work practice Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 285 - 297
• Main Authors: Zhu, Xiaoqin, Shek, Daniel T. L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.03.2021; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adolescent development; Client satisfaction; Development programs; Secondary schools; Social development; Social education; Social programs; Students; Teenagers; Tin; Youth; China; client satisfaction approach; PYD; positive youth development; adolescents; program evaluation; mainland China
• ISSN: 1049-7315; 1552-7581
• DOI: 10.1177/1049731520980802

Objectives: This study validated a 36-item Subjective Outcome Evaluation Scale (SOES) and examined the effectiveness of a positive youth development (PYD) program entitled “Tin Ka Ping Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programs” (TKP P.A.T.H.S. Project) and implemented in mainland China in the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 academic years. Methods: We collected data from 20,480 students from 30 secondary schools in mainland China on their views toward program quality, implementer quality, and program benefits based on the SOES. Results: The SOES possessed good factorial, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validities as well as internal consistency. Besides, the student respondents were generally satisfied with the program quality, implementer quality, and program benefits. Consistent with our hypothesis, junior grade students had more positive perceptions than did senior grade students. Conclusion: Utilizing the client satisfaction approach, this study validated the SOES and highlighted the value of PYD programs exemplified by the TKP P.A.T.H.S. Program in a non-Western context.