Cross-cultural validation of the concept and measurement of youth developmental assets in Lebanon

In the last two decades, there has been a paradigm shift in research on adolescent health from a focus on risk behaviors of adolescents to an emphasis on protective factors that shield adolescents from risk. Research has indicated that youth with more assets are protected against a variety of health risks including alcohol use, tobacco use, drug use, early sexual behaviors; and have more positive outcomes related to school achievement. However, to date, most of the research on youth assets has occurred in the United States. One of the most utilized conceptualizations of youth assets is the Search Institute's 40 developmental assets The World Health Organization has also recently become interested in the concept of assets, and has developed and validated an instrument with youth in several developing countries. This research explores (1) the validity of the concept of positive youth assets in Lebanon, and (2) the validity of the measurement of youth assets. Focus groups with youth (11-14 and 15-19 years) and the adults in their lives (parents, teachers) in two urban and two rural areas were used to understand the relevance of the concept of protective factors in Lebanon. Based on the results of the content analysis; a survey instrument was developed - relying on previously developed measures - and tested with youth aged 11-19 years. Results of both phases will be described, and implications for cross-cultural validation and health promotion and policy development for adolescents discussed.