Subjective Outcome Evaluation and Factors Related to Perceived Effectiveness of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong

Abstract

Based on a sample of 24,457 participated students, the present study investigated participants' subjective evaluation of the Tier 2 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in the 2009/2010 academic year. Participants generally held positive views toward the Tier 2 Program and program instructor and perceived the program to be beneficial to their development. Programs involving adolescents alone were evaluated more positively than programs involving parents and/or teachers. Students' grade and program type did not show significant impact on participants' subjective evaluation of the project. Consistent with previous reports, perceived effectiveness of the program was significantly predicted by students' perceptions about the program and program instructor. These findings provide further support that the Tier 2 Program is effective in promoting positive development among adolescents with greater psychosocial needs.

Subjective outcome evaluation of the community-based P.A.T.H.S Project: views of program implementers

“…Previous studies have consistently revealed the benefits of these two approaches [20,21]. Shek, Yu, and Ho [20] compared participants' ratings of the programs with different delivery modes and found that programs incorporating both ABC and VTS elements were more effective than programs incorporating solely ABC, solely VTS, or other delivery approaches [25]. However, "WORK" and "INT" activities also benefit adolescents' development practically.…”

“…On the other hand, objective and subjective outcome evaluation methods were employed to focus on answering questions like whether or not the intended program goals and objectives have been met, as well as whether or not the program is effective and efficient [18]. The existing evaluation studies have verified the success of the school-based programs by revealing high implementation quality, less problematic behaviors and enhanced positive psychosocial constructs in student participants, and high satisfaction ratings from different stakeholders [19][20][21].…”

“…Stressing on a "non-obligated" helping [42], volunteerism is conducive to promoting prosocial attitudes and reducing problematic behaviors in adolescents [43]. Previous studies have consistently revealed the benefits of these two approaches [20,21]. Shek, Yu, and Ho [20] compared participants' ratings of the programs with different delivery modes and found that programs incorporating both ABC and VTS elements were more effective than programs incorporating solely ABC, solely VTS, or other delivery approaches [25].…”

Evaluation of a community-based positive youth development program in Hong Kong: views of program implementers

“…From 2005/2006 to 2011/2012 school years, the project was implemented in the school context. A series of rigorous evaluation studies revealed a great success of the project as reflected by the high level of client satisfaction by different stakeholders, and enhanced competencies and reduced problem behaviors in the program participants [32][33][34][35].…”