Benefits of a positive youth development program (Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project) for program implementers : a qualitative study

Abstract

As a positive youth development (PYD) program, the Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project (TKP P.A.T.H.S. Project) has promoted the development of the program participants such as their psychosocial competencies. However, there are relatively fewer studies on the benefits of PYD programs on the program implementers. As teachers implement the PYD program, it is theoretically and practically important to understand the impact of the TKP P.A.T.H.S. Project on the teachers. In the present study, we examined the impacts of the TKP P.A.T.H.S. Project on the program implementers. By analysing the qualitative data derived from individual interviews, we found that the project promoted the program implementers in terms of their professional development (e.g., teaching skills), personal development (e.g., emotion regulation) and social relationship (e.g., relationships with students), as well as benefits for parents and benefits for schools. In line with the subjective outcome evaluation findings based on previous studies, the present findings suggest that the TKP P.A.T.H.S. Project promotes the holistic development on both adolescents and teachers.