Dawne Washington

Changing Uncertainty Through Hope Dawne Washington

The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of positive youth development (PYD) initiatives regarding at-risk youth who have limited advancement opportunities due to structural marginalization in Jamaica. The background of marginalization in psychological and historical context sets the stage as to why PYD is necessary in altering negative behaviors. In this case study, the researcher examined social factors that impact PYD for vulnerable youth in the Jamaican culture. The hybrid nongovernmental organization (NGO) utilized in this study provided an understanding which links theory to a real world practical contextual view. The theory introduced in this study is John Berry's cultural ecological framework as a foundation in broad terms to a more specific framework utilized within the Caribbean, an African-centered approach. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, the researcher determined several social factors that influence PYD in Jamaica.