Seven Basic Human Needs
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A sense of safety and structure
A sense of belonging/group membership
A sense of self worth and contributing
A sense of independence and control over
ones life
• A sense of closeness /relationships
• A sense of competence/mastery
• A sense of self awareness
Problems with Current
Prevention Programming
• Focus is on fixing young people
• Strategies are narrowly focused and are time
limited
• Assume that positive youth development does
not take place
• Problem prevention is not preparation for the
future
• Problem focused programming only serves a
small fraction of students
• Skill building is not provided until students
demonstrate they lack skill.
A Shift In Thinking
The analysis points to the need for a basic
conceptual shift-from thinking that youth problems are
the principal barrier to positive youth
development
to
thinking that supporting youth
development is the most effective strategy
for the prevention of youth problems.
Youth Development Model
• Assumes that positive development is occurring
and should be supported
• All students receive support services
• Services are pro-active rather that reactive
• Focus is on building skills and competencies
• Focuses on “fully prepared” adolescents VS
“problem free”adolescents
• Services are designed to meet seven basic
human needs
Health and Physical Competence
1. Good current
health status plus
evidence of
appropriate
knowledge, attitudes,
2. Behaviors that will
ensure future health
(e.g. exercise, good
diet/nutrition,
effective
contraceptive
practices)
Personal/Social Competence:
1. Intrapersonal skills-(ability to understand
personal emotions, have self discipline)
2. Interpersonal skills-( ability to work with
others, develop friendships through
communication, cooperation, empathizing,
negotiating)
3. Coping/system skills-(ability to adapt, be
flexible, assume responsibility)
4. Judgment skills-(ability to plan, evaluate,
make decisions, solve problems)
Cognitive/Creative Competence
1. Broad base knowledge
2. Ability to appreciate and participate in
areas of creative expression
3. Good oral and written language skills
4. Problem solving and analytical skills
5. Ability to learn/interest in learning and
achieving
Vocational Competence
1.Broad understanding
of vocational options
and of steps needed to
act on choices
2. Adequate preparation
for chosen career
3. Understanding the
value and function of
work
Citizenship (ethics and
participation)
1. An understanding
history and values of
one’s nation and
community.
2. The desire to be
involved in efforts
that contribute to the
nation and
community