title: Linking the prevention of problem behaviors and positive youth development: core competencies for positive youth development and risk prevention.
abstract: In this chapter, we present a brief review of the developmental literature linking healthy adjustment to five core competencies: (1) positive sense of self, (2) self-control, (3) decision-making skills, (4) a moral system of belief, and (5) prosocial connectedness. A central premise of this chapter and the rest of the volume is that promoting mastery of social and emotional core competencies provides a connection between positive youth development and risk prevention programming. In subsequent chapters, empirical evidence linking these core competencies with prevention of specific risk behaviors is reviewed, and examples of integrated promotion and prevention efforts in the United States and internationally are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Academic Center for Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention at the University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Guerra
authors.forename: Catherine P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Bradshaw
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D041923:Adolescent Development; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D003657:Decision Making; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000517:prevention & control*; D035863:Moral Development; D010553:Personality Development; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012931:Social Environment