The association of empowerment and future orientation among adolescents engaged in a youth participatory action research program

Future orientation, which refers to a young person’s attitudes, beliefs, and goals related to the future, has been associated with many positive adolescent mental and physical health outcomes. Fostering future orientation in young people and creating opportunities for self-actualization remains a priority for adult allies. One mechanism through which this may be accomplished is youth empowerment frameworks. In the current study, we examined associations between youth empowerment and future orientation among youth involved in a youth participatory action research (YPAR) program in public schools and community centers in Pittsburgh, PA.