TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring Profiles of Adolescent Contributions
T2 - A Person-Centered Approach Within the 7C Model of Positive Youth Development
AU - Shirzad, Kimia
AU - Allison, Pete
AU - Agans, Jennifer P.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2025. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Despite growing calls to foster civic engagement among adolescents in the United States, many youths remain disengaged. While previous research has examined the types and benefits of civic activities, less is known about diverse contribution patterns and their links to demographics. This study examines the heterogeneity of adolescents’ contribution behaviors and associations with demographic variables, PYD, purpose, hope, and critical consciousness. The sample included 723 U.S. adolescents (average age = 15.76, SD = 1.22; 54.9% female/non-binary). Latent Profile Analysis identified four profiles: Less-engaged, Digital Advocates (high online, low offline), Local Helpers (high interpersonal helping), and Contributors (high across all domains). Chi-square and ANOVA revealed no significant age, gender, or race/ethnicity differences, but socioeconomic status was higher among Contributors and Local Helpers. PYD, purpose, hope, and critical consciousness varied, with more engaged groups reporting higher levels. Findings underscore the multifaceted nature of contribution and opportunities to support diverse civic engagement.
AB - Despite growing calls to foster civic engagement among adolescents in the United States, many youths remain disengaged. While previous research has examined the types and benefits of civic activities, less is known about diverse contribution patterns and their links to demographics. This study examines the heterogeneity of adolescents’ contribution behaviors and associations with demographic variables, PYD, purpose, hope, and critical consciousness. The sample included 723 U.S. adolescents (average age = 15.76, SD = 1.22; 54.9% female/non-binary). Latent Profile Analysis identified four profiles: Less-engaged, Digital Advocates (high online, low offline), Local Helpers (high interpersonal helping), and Contributors (high across all domains). Chi-square and ANOVA revealed no significant age, gender, or race/ethnicity differences, but socioeconomic status was higher among Contributors and Local Helpers. PYD, purpose, hope, and critical consciousness varied, with more engaged groups reporting higher levels. Findings underscore the multifaceted nature of contribution and opportunities to support diverse civic engagement.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105020593271
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105020593271#tab=citedBy
U2 - 10.1177/0044118X251387147
DO - 10.1177/0044118X251387147
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105020593271
SN - 0044-118X
JO - Youth and Society
JF - Youth and Society
M1 - 0044118X251387147
ER -