1. Introduction

Traditionally approaches to development and related research have focused for years on problems that children and young people may encounter while growing up, such as learning difficulties, antisocial conducts, affective disorders. The interest for positive resources and strengths is more recent. 

Known as Positive Youth Development (PYD), this perspective introduces a more affirmative and welcome vision of young people (Damon, 2004) and of their development. 

Accordingly, while acknowledging the existence of adversities and developmental challenges that may affect children in various ways, it resists conceiving of the developmental process mainly as an effort to overcome deficits and risk. In adopting this perspective, we begin with a vision of a fully able child eager to explore the world, gain competence, and acquire the capacity to contribute importantly to the world.