Predictors of adolescent successful development after an exchange: The importance of activity qualities and youth input

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors involved in predicting successful development after an intensive exchange experience in adolescence. Specifically, we considered the eight positive features, as conceptualized by Eccles and Gootman (2002), as well as the amount of input youth had into their exchange experience as predictors of successful development after the exchange. In this short-term longitudinal study, 242 young, middle, and older adolescents, who participated in a national short-term exchanges program, completed surveys before and after completion of the program. Overall, we found that both the eight positive features and personal input were significantly related to overall successful development after an exchange, controlling for initial reports of successful development. This research contributes to an understanding of the importance of different qualities of activity experiences in overall youth development.