Search Results (114)

It is important to understand young people’s attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) in order to ensure responsible use. Positive Youth Development (PYD) has been identified as a protective factor against risks related to digital technologies. Further research is needed concerning attitudes toward AI from a strengths-based perspective. This study aimed to examine these attitudes and their relationships with the 5Cs of the PYD model among undergraduates. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025. A sample of 407 university students (63.1% women, M_age = 21.93), enrolled at 10 universities in the region of Andalusia (Spain) completed the PYD-SF and the AIAS-4 measures. The students in Science, Engineering, and Architecture degrees showed the most positive attitude scores, whereas those in Arts and Humanities scored the lowest. The hypothesized positive association between the 5Cs and attitudes toward AI was partially supported. Competence and Confidence were positively associated with these attitudes, while Character showed an inverse relationship, suggesting that students with higher moral awareness may remain particularly vigilant about ethical risks and social inequalities. Ultimately, it is crucial to utilize these psychological resources to foster proactive youth leadership that can navigate and shape ethical practices in an increasingly digital world. Full article

The Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework provides a strengths-based perspective, paying greater attention to positive indicators of youth health. This article aimed to examine the relationship between the 5Cs of PYD (i.e., Character, Competence, Confidence, Connection and Caring) and three indicators of alcohol consumption in youth (use, drunkenness and drunken driving). A cross-sectional design was employed with a convenience sample of 1779 undergraduates aged 18 to 29 years (Mean = 20.32, SD = 1.84), recruited from ten universities across Andalusia (Spain). Data was collected during Spring 2023 through an online self-report questionnaire composed of PYD-SF, three questions to assess alcohol consumption, and demographics. Results underlined the protective association of Character and the paradoxical associations of Competence and Connection with alcohol consumption. The higher alcohol consumption scores in men (especially in the indicator of drunken driving) were associated with their lower scores in Character and their higher perceived Competence. These results underlined the importance of promoting positive contexts for developing both Competence and Connection, and the need to foster Character to increase awareness about the risk of alcohol consumption. Full article

Yeast surface display is a powerful strategy for enzyme immobilization and whole-cell biocatalysis; however, the intracellular processing of heterologous enzymes during secretion and anchoring remains poorly understood. In this study, a GH5 endoglucanase gene (eglS, 1.4 kb) from Bacillus subtilis, originally isolated from a paper mill effluent, was cloned into the pYD1 vector and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae EBY100 using the Aga1–Aga2 surface display system. The recombinant strain produced clear degradation halos on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) plates, confirming cellulolytic activity at the whole-cell level. Zymographic analysis revealed multiple active enzyme forms depending on the cellular fraction analyzed. Intracellular extracts displayed active bands ranging from 70 to 57 kDa, consistent with immature or partially processed Aga2 fusion proteins, whereas cell wall-associated fractions showed active bands between 55 and 35 kDa, suggesting proteolytic processing during secretion and surface anchoring. The apparent specific activity of the cytoplasmic fraction was 5.33 ± 0.31 U mg⁻¹, while the cell wall-associated fraction exhibited a higher apparent specific activity (58.4 ± 10.1 U mg⁻¹). Although these values were obtained from non-purified fractions and therefore do not represent intrinsic enzymatic constants, they indicate a relative enrichment of catalytically active enzyme in the cell wall-associated fraction, consistent with functional surface display. The presence of multiple active enzyme forms and the enhanced catalytic efficiency observed in the cell wall-associated fraction suggest that the engineered yeast strain may serve as a promising whole-cell biocatalyst, with potential applications in consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) strategies for lignocellulosic biomass conversion. Full article

This study examined how youth sport coaches support positive youth development (PYD) through their pedagogical practices, focusing on the following key PYD outcomes: Competence, Confidence, Contribution, and Character. A total of 113 youth sport coaches were systematically observed, involving athletes aged between 12–18 years. The coaches (M = 38.64 years; Male = 74; Female = 39) represented both individual and team sports and had an average coaching experience of 12.92 years. Our results showed that coaches put the most effort on Competence, followed by Confidence, while Character and Contribution received comparatively less attention. Competence development was mainly supported through verbal instruction, Confidence through general feedback, Contribution through active listening, and Character through role modeling. Regarding sport types, coaches in individual sports demonstrated higher levels of Competence and Contribution than team sport coaches. Furthermore, all four PYD dimensions were positively correlated, suggesting that gains in one dimension may support the others. Overall, Hungarian coaches emphasize technical and tactical competence, with less focus on social skills and value development. Confidence is mainly supported through general rather than specific feedback. Coaches in individual sports showed higher PYD engagement than team sport coaches. These findings highlight the need for more balanced, developmentally intentional coaching approaches. Full article

Background: This study examined the predictive effect of parental marital satisfaction on suicidal behaviors among preadolescents and adolescents in China, with positive youth development (PYD) attributes as a mediator. Methods: A total of 3665 matched pairs of students (aged 9–19, 51.3% boys) and their parents completed questionnaires, with parental marital satisfaction reported by parents and suicidal behaviors (ideation, plan, and attempt) and PYD attributes reported by students. Results: The prevalence of overall suicidal behavior was 15.5% in this sample, with a higher prevalence observed among those with lower parental education levels. Hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling analyses revealed that: (1) after controlling for socio-demographic variables, parental marital satisfaction negatively predicted suicidal behaviors; (2) PYD attributes negatively predicted suicidal behaviors, accounting for the largest proportion of variance (ΔR² range = 0.036–0.102); (3) parental marital satisfaction was positively correlated with PYD attributes; and (4) PYD attributes partially mediated the predictive relationship between parental marital satisfaction and suicidal behavior, with a significant indirect effect (β = −0.06) accounting for 56.6% of the total effect. Conclusions: This study illuminates protective pathways through which a positive family environment cultivates individual competencies, ultimately contributing to reduced suicidal behavior. Full article

Background/Objectives: Creativity has become an essential skill for children and adolescents to cope with the challenges of contemporary society. Beyond academic success, creativity is closely linked to well-being, social adjustment, and personal development. Schools, therefore, play a crucial role in creating conditions that allow students to explore ideas, express themselves, and develop socioemotional resources. This study aimed to examine how self-perceived creativity relates to educational, socioemotional, and well-being factors in Portuguese students, to identify different creativity profiles, and to explore the main variables that predict creativity. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on secondary analyses of national data from the project Psychological Health and Well-being|School Observatory. The sample included 3011 students aged between 9 and 20 years (M = 13.62; SD = 2.53), from grades 5 to 12. Data were collected using validated instruments: the OECD Socioemotional Skills Survey (SSES), the Positive Youth Development (PYD) scale, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Analyses included group comparisons, cluster analysis to identify self-perceived creativity profiles, correlation analyses, and multiple regression models. Results: Self-perceived creativity did not differ between boys and girls, but it decreased significantly with higher grade levels. Three profiles were identified: low, medium, and high self-perceived creativity. Students with higher self-perceived creativity reported better well-being, more positive relationships with teachers, a stronger sense of belonging at school, and higher parental educational levels. Self-perceived creativity was positively associated with socioemotional skills such as curiosity, sociability, and optimism, as well as with PYD dimensions and well-being. Negative associations were found with age and test anxiety. Socioemotional variables were the strongest predictors of creativity, explaining 39% of its variance. Conclusions: These results show that creativity is closely connected to students’ socioemotional development. Investing in emotional skills, supportive relationships, and positive school environments may be a powerful way to foster creativity and promote healthier, more balanced development. This has important implications for educational practice and policy. Full article

Background: The Transformative, Resilient, and Youth-Led/Driven (TRY) Gym, a school-based co-creative mental health training programme, is grounded in the Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach. It seeks to improve adolescents’ mental health and well-being by strengthening their resilience and competence. Additionally, it prepares them to deliver peer-led mental health activities, promoting mental wellness and fostering a stigma-free, supportive environment. Methods: This study evaluated the programme using a mixed-method design. In total, 94 students from eight secondary schools in Hong Kong were recruited, with 80 participating in the evaluation. Results: Five outcomes showed significant improvements from baseline to the post-implementation phase, including social competence, cognitive competence, emotional competence, resilience, and mental well-being. Common features were identified across interviews, which may possibly account for the significant results and participants’ improved mental health. Conclusions: The TRY Gym programme’s fidelity was demonstrated by its completion, which included high participant responsiveness, and a co-creative and youth-driven approach in the project. In addition, the positive outcomes of the programme underscore its effectiveness in improving mental health among adolescents by imparting mental health knowledge and providing opportunities for participants to apply learnt techniques in everyday life situations. Full article

Introduction: School belonging is a key component of adolescent well-being, associated with academic success, mental health, and social inclusion. This study explores the levels of school belonging among Portuguese students and examines the psychosocial factors associated with this perception. Methods: Data from 3083 students (5th to 12th grade) obtained through the 2024 National Study by the Observatory of Psychological Health and Well-Being were analysed. Socio-emotional skills, well-being indicators, psychological symptoms, and school engagement variables were assessed using validated instruments. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and linear regression. Results: Overall, boys and younger students reported higher levels of school belonging. Sociability, resilience, confidence, school engagement, and and components of Positive Youth Development (PYD)—a strengths-based framework focusing on the internal and external assets that foster healthy youth development—such as competence and connection, were positively associated with school belonging. Conversely, depressive symptoms and experiences of bullying negatively predicted this outcome. Conclusions: This study’s findings highlight the need to reinforce inclusive educational practices, foster positive youth development, and promote protective relational dynamics within the school context. Full article

Background: In the era of longevity, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) still lack a comprehensive understanding of health deficits among older adults and the care burden associated with “unhealthy longevity”. This study aims to reveal future changes in care needs and pressure in China from 2030 to 2100. Method: This study develops a multistate demographic forecasting framework by integrating a Markov-based health state transition model with the conceptual logic of an age-shift algorithm. Transition probability matrices by age and gender are estimated using nationally representative microdata from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Baseline population data from the National Bureau of Statistics and WPP 2024 are then used to simulate the evolution of health status among older adults in China from 2030 to 2100. Finally, person-years with disability (PYD) are calculated to evaluate the projected magnitude, structure, and gender disparities of long-term care needs over time. Results: Between 2030 and 2100, the number of disabled older adults in China is projected to follow an inverted U-shaped trend—peaking at 160 million in 2070 and remaining above 115 million by 2100. The share of disabled individuals among older adults rises steadily, from 39.75% to 45.28%. Person-years with disability (PYD) show sustained growth, especially among the oldest-old and women. By 2100, adults aged 95 and older contribute over 20 million PYD—eight times the 2030 level. Gender disparities widen: in 2100, women aged 85–94 account for 53.94 million severe-disability PYD, exceeding men by 8.22 million. These trends reflect mounting structural pressures on China’s long-term care system, increasingly driven by age- and gender-specific disability burdens. Conclusions: If the current disability trend continues unchecked, health risks for older adults will grow over time. In the near future, China will face an extremely heavy care burden and pressure, which will severely impact its economic and social systems. Seizing this critical window for policy action and system improvement is crucial to reducing risks in the longevity era. Full article

Background/Objectives: Subjective well-being (SWB) in children is a key indicator of healthy development, influenced by physical activity and sports, with physical literacy (PL) as a potential mediator. Traditional linear models overlook non-linear and heterogeneous effects in diverse populations. This study uses causal machine learning (ML) to examine PL’s mediating role between sports participation and SWB in a multinational cohort. Methods: Data from the International Survey of Children’s Well-Being (ISCWeB) (n = 128,184 children aged 6–14, 35 countries) were analyzed. SWB was a composite (six items, α = 0.85); PL was a proxy (three items excluding sports frequency, α = 0.70); sports participation was continuous (0–5). Confounders were age, gender, parental listening, and school satisfaction. CausalForestDML estimated the effects; GroupKFold and bootstrap were used for robustness; SHAP/PDP was used for interpretability. Results: Total ATE = 0.083 (95% CI [0.073, 0.094]); indirect via PL = 0.055 (CI [0.049, 0.061]); direct = 0.028 (CI [0.020, 0.038]); mediation proportion = 0.660. Sensitivity with lean PL (2 items) was as follows: indirect = 0.045 (CI [0.040, 0.050]). For SHAP, school satisfaction was (+0.28), and parents were (+0.20) top. For PDP, there was a non-linear rise at PL 4–6 (+1.2 units) and a plateau ~9.2. The cross-cultural mean ATE = 0.083 ± 0.01 (from within-country meta-analysis); this was stronger in older children (CATE 0.30 for 12–14). For Rho sensitivity at 0.1, it was indirect −0.129; at Rho sensitivity of 0.2, it was −0.314 (robust to low confounding). Conclusions: The findings, grounded in SDT/PYD, support interventions targeting PL through sports to enhance SWB, addressing inactivity. Limitations are its cross-sectional nature and proxy measures; we recommend longitudinal studies. Full article

This study, aimed at producing a contextualised positive youth development framework for socially and economically disadvantaged youths in Singapore, is an initial youth project phase for profiling this population through explanatory mixed-methods research. The online survey was conducted for 843 secondary school students. The questionnaire was guided by two PYD models—5/6 Cs and 40 developmental assets—based on Buenconsejo and Datu’s integrative ecological perspective. After data collection, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to find the underlying factors by using the Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) extraction method and Promax with Kaiser Normalisation rotation. A 31-item survey questionnaire was finalised after the EFA, identifying an underlying seven-factor structure to establish the Integrated Positive Youth Development (IPYD) framework. This study provided groundbreaking application of PYD in a non-Western context and strategic insights into how the strengths of disadvantaged youths in Singapore could be encouraged in a manner that is culturally knowledgeable. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mutations in NACHT, LRR and PYD domain-containing protein 2 (NLRP2) and NLRP7 genes, members of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family of innate immune sensors, result in recurrent miscarriages and reproductive wastage in women. These genes have been identified to be maternal effect genes in humans and mice regulating early embryo development. Previous research in vitro suggests that NLRP2 and NLRP7 regulate DNA methylation and/or immune signaling through inflammasome formation. However, the exact mechanisms underlying NLRP2 and NLRP7 function are not well defined. Methods: To determine the interacting proteins required for NLRP2/NLRP7-mediated regulation of DNA methylation, yeast 2-hybrid screens, coimmunoprecipitation, and FRET studies were performed and verified the ability of novel protein interactions to affect global DNA methylation by 5-methylcytosine-specific ELISA. Results: Various methodologies employed in this research demonstrate a novel protein interaction between human ErbB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1, also known as proliferation-associated protein 2G4 (PA2G4) and NLRP2 or NLRP7. In addition, NLRP2 and NLRP7 regulate EBP1 gene expression. Functionally, global DNA methylation levels appeared to decrease further when NLRP2 and NLRP7 were co-expressed with EBP1, although additional studies may need to confirm the significance of this effect. Conclusions: Since EBP1 is implicated in apoptosis, cell proliferation, DNA methylation, and differentiation, our discovery significantly advances our understanding of how mutations in NLRP2 or NLRP7 may contribute to reproductive wastage in women through EBP1. Full article

With the gradual decline in COVID-19 cases, there is a need to re-visit the mental health of adolescents and emerging adults in the post-pandemic period. Several observations can be highlighted from the scientific literature. First, while some studies suggest that mental health of young people has worsened in the post-pandemic period, there are inconsistent and conflicting findings. Second, there are more studies on psychological morbidity than on positive psychological attributes. Third, compared with the West, there are relatively fewer Chinese studies. Fourth, compared with adolescents, there are relatively fewer studies on emerging adults. Based on these observations of the existing literature, I have detailed several reflections on the mental health of young people, including enhancing positive psychological attributes in young people through positive youth development (PYD) programs, building up the individual resilience of young people, strengthening family resilience, adopting multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches in understanding the mental health of young people, building more well-articulated theoretical models, charting future research directions, and developing intervention strategies in the post-pandemic period. Full article

(1) Background: Creative self-efficacy is associated with better psychological well-being and academic performance in adolescent and youth samples. Positive youth development is a strength-based model of youth transition to adulthood, which states that this emerges from adaptive regulations between personal strengths and nurturing contexts. The present study aimed to examine the associations between creative self-efficacy, PYD and perceived academic performance in a sample of Spanish youth. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during the spring of 2024. A sample composed of 370 undergraduates (M = 21.29, SD = 3.61) from 10 universities in Andalusia (Spain) filled in an online self-report measure. (3) Results: The results showed positive associations between creative self-efficacy, PYD and academic performance. A mediational analysis indicated that creative self-efficacy presented a positive effect on perceived academic performance through its positive associations with both Confidence and Competence dimensions of PYD. (4) Conclusions: These results may suggest the need to integrate creativity and PYD programs to strengthen academic performance in higher education. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) that affect the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems. They are characterized by persistent inflammation, potentially progressive fibrosis, and an elevated risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma and colorectal cancer. IBD and PSC share phenotypical, genetic, and immunological features, largely due to the central role of immune cell dysregulation. Despite their increasing global prevalence, the underlying drivers remain poorly understood, and effective treatment options are still lacking. Efforts towards an improved comprehension of their pathogenic mechanisms are therefore pivotal. Emerging evidence highlights the role of canonical ASC-dependent inflammasomes—multiprotein bioactive Interleukin (IL)-1-producing complexes of the innate immune system—and serum amyloid A (SAA) as key structures of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary inflammation, tissue remodeling, stromal crosstalk, and fibrosis. In this review, we explore immunological connections and analogies between IBD and PSC, highlighting the converging roles of canonical ASC-dependent inflammasomes, the IL-1 superfamily, SAA, and sustained gut microbiota-driven chronic inflammation in disease pathology and their surging potential as therapeutic targets across the gut–liver axis. Full article