The 5 Cs listed: competence, confidence, connection, character and caring/compassion. Youth who build all 5 C's are more likely to thrive.

The Five Cs framework

The evidence for the 5 Cs framework was first provided in 2002 by the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. The 4 Hs were Head, Heart, Hands and Health and the study continues today.

Strengths Limitations
  • Positive youth development (PYD) had emerged as a new approach that focused on the strengths of youth and how to support their development. The 5 Cs framework through the 4-H study was the first to provide evidence and ways of measuring PYD.
  • The Five Cs are related to higher levels of positive outcomes and decreased negative outcomes over time.
  • The 5 Cs framework is concise and clear.
  • Some research has challenged whether the Five Cs represent what’s working in all positive youth development programs, particularly sports, where positive values that benefit the group are crucial.
  • Also in sporting programs, the relationship between the youth and his or her environment is more dynamic or changing than originally thought in the Five Cs approach.
  • The Five Cs may not always be distinct.
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