Buenconsejo, Jet UyFerrer-Wreder, LauraDimitrova, RadosvetaPavlova, IuliiaBosnar, KsenijaBartoluci, SuncicaAltansukh, SuvdanchimegKarakulak, Arzu2025-05-052025-05-0520250047-28911573-6601https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-025-02174-zhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11779/2571Pavlova, Iuliia/0000-0002-8111-4469Although global research on the 5Cs model of Positive Youth Development (PYD; competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring) has expanded in recent years, there is a lack of understanding about distinct and consistent PYD profiles across youth from diverse socio-cultural contexts. To address this gap, this study utilized a person-oriented analytic approach to examine the PYD profiles of 11,481 emerging adults (Mage = 21.77; SDage = 2.74; 68.66% females) from 21 countries in four continents. Results of the multi-group latent profile analysis revealed four consistent profiles of PYD across countries: high/balanced (41%), self-efficacious (28%), socio-emotional (20%), and low/self-centered (11%). Participants' age, gender, educational attainment, and country-level collectivism were also found to be associated with specific profiles. Older and more-educated females from less collectivistic countries were more likely to be in a high/balanced profile, while younger males from more collectivistic countries tend to be in a low/self-centered profile. Older and more-educated males from less collectivistic countries were more likely to be in a self-efficacious profile, while younger and less-educated females from more collectivistic countries tend to be in a socio-emotional profile. Controlling these socio-contextual covariates, the four profiles exhibited distinct relations with adaptive (resilience and contribution) and maladaptive outcomes (anxiety and adverse life experiences) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results highlight the importance of fostering a balanced set of Cs, which include both self-efficacious and socio-emotional qualities, to promote positive adaptation in challenging times across diverse developmental settings.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess5CsEmerging AdulthoodMulti-Group Latent Profile AnalysisPerson-Oriented ResearchPositive Youth DevelopmentArticle10.1007/s10964-025-02174-z402051312-s2.0-105002333863Q1Q1WOS:001462479600001