This open-access book offers nine principles for supporting under-resourced youth, based on a study of eight U.S. organizations.

What is needed to help youth thrive?

This book explores the question: what is needed to help youth thrive? By examining the practices of eight exemplary youth service organizations, some answers emerge. These organizations employ nine principles of positive youth development in their work to guide youth through adolescence to a thriving adulthood.  Through interviews with the youth served by these organizations and the caring adults that engage with them in their positive development, we learn what it takes to move through the challenges, difficulties and opportunities these youth face. While many of the youth come from adverse environments, these principles provide insight into what all youth need to thrive. 

The 8 Organizations

The Nine Principles of Exemplary Youth Service Organizations. 

  1. Create supportive, values-driven communities to help youth thrive.

  2. Provide trusted, committed, caring adults with whom youth can establish relationships.

  3. Help youth develop their identity and sense of agency.

  4. Orient youth to a purposeful future.

  5. Expand youth’s world through exposure to new experiences and connecting them to resources.

  6. Provide opportunities to learn and practice academic and critical thinking skills.

  7. Provide opportunities to learn and practice life skills and healthy habits.

  8. Provide opportunities to learn and practice social, emotional, and relationship skills.

  9. Empower youth to engage in the betterment of their communities and the world.

These principles begin with the understanding that relationships of trust, mutuality, and support with caring adults, embedded in communities of learning and practice, help youth reach their full potential.

Psychology For Youth Ministry.

In April 2023, the John Templeton Foundation gathered a group of science researchers, ministers, and thought leaders to discuss their efforts to integrate the tools of psychological science into ministry contexts at a Psychology for Ministry Summit hosted and facilitated by Blueprint 1543. At this summit, these experts shared how they have made a meaningful difference in people’s lives through their work, as well as some of their biggest challenges. In this video, I lay out the application of the 9 principles to youth development in various contexts, including youth ministry. 

What people are saying.

  • "A synthesis of wisdom from youth, mentors, seasoned organizations, and scholars, Positive Youth Principles presents a critical analysis of what makes youth service organizations ‘near perfect’ solutions for youth thriving. Samuelson’s nine principles form a deeply insightful blueprint for why and how to make it all work."

    Andrea Hussong, University of South Carolina, USA

  • “This book offers a compelling look at how exemplary youth service organizations foster positive outcomes in marginalized youth. Through rich qualitative data and a principles-focused approach, Samuelson illuminates the crucial role of caring adult relationships, supportive communities, and opportunities for identity development. Essential reading for anyone working to create positive environments where all young people can flourish.”

    Jean Rhodes, University of Massachusetts, USA

  • “Positive Youth Development Principles in Practice is a fantastic book for those practitioners, institutional leaders and researchers who understand that Positive Youth Development is essential to face inequities and social fragilities in our contemporary societies. Using real world and exemplar practices, readers will have the opportunity to know and reflect about nine principles to empower and support purposeful young people.”

    Ulisses Araújo, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

  • "Who does not want all kids to thrive? But what does that mean and how do you do it? Dr. Peter Samuelson deftly paves a path forward for practitioners and parents pointing to the essential elements of establishing a nurturing and transforming fit between youth and their surrounding communities. Drawing on cutting edge psychological theory, methodology, and practice, Dr. Samuelson emphasizes the often overlooked reality that thriving youth require thriving ecologies. His hopeful rendering of the topography of youth today conveys how to create a transformative fit between a young person and their environment allowing young people to grow into their strengths with and for and thrive."

    Pamela Ebstyne King, Thrive Center, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA