External Assets as Predictors of Positive Emotions Among At-Risk Youth in Malaysia

• Published in: Asian social work and policy review 2012, 6(3), , pp.203-217
• Main Authors: Abdul Kadir, Nor Ba'yah, Rahim, Samsudin A., Mustapha, Zaidah, Abdul Mutalib, Mimi Hanida, Kee, Chang Peng, Mohamed, Rusyda Helma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: At-risk Youth; Developmental Assets; External assets; Malaysia; Positive Emotions; 사회복지학
• ISSN: 1753-1403; 1753-1411
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-1411.2012.00071.x

The present study is among the first to examine external assets as predictors of positive emotions among at‐risk youth. The study aims to examine the associations of external assets with positive emotions, determine external assets as a predictor of positive emotions in phase 1, and see if these predictors were consistently established in phase 2. At first contact, 403 participants from low‐income apartments in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, aged 13–25 years were asked to complete the 25 Developmental Assets, Malaysian version. The participants were also invited to participate in social activities organized by the PERMATA community. The same participants were approached four months later to examine the stability of measures. Multiple regression analysis revealed support is the most significant predictor of positive emotions at phase 1 whilst positive peer influence, family boundaries and caring neighborhood are the significant predictors at phase 2. Results suggested that the presence of other external assets can enhance the positive development of at‐risk youth, however, the support must be present to some extent in the first place.