The 7Cs and Developmental Assets Models of Positive Youth Development in India, Indonesia and Pakistan

The present chapter advances PYD scholarship by introducing a newly developed 7Cs model of PYD among youth and emerging adults in three Asian LAMICs (Low-And Middle-income Countries) such as India (n = 218), Indonesia (n = 234), and Pakistan (n = 400). The 7Cs model expands on the 6C indicators of PYD (competence, confidence, character, caring, connection and contribution) to include creativity conceived as a novel and adaptive, problem-solving ability meaningful within social and cultural contexts. The chapter provides solid evidence for (a) the reliability and effectiveness of the 7Cs model in terms of measurement invariance (psychometrically reliable measurement across different populations), utility (appropriate use of measures), universality (applicability to various populations) and (b) structural relations between the 7Cs and the developmental assets models that jointly promote thriving of young people. In conclusion, the 7Cs model has the potential to move forward a PYD priority in research, policy and practice agenda. With this priority in mind, the chapter offers unique conceptual and methodological contributions to the PYD field with relevant applications in international, cross-cultural, developmental, community psychology, and applied developmental science.