{"id":30898,"date":"2025-11-07T10:23:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T15:23:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/positiveexperience.org\/?p=30898"},"modified":"2025-11-07T10:29:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T15:29:11","slug":"new-publication-outlines-a-positive-deviance-approach-to-increase-positive-peer-relationships-among-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/positiveexperience.org\/news\/new-publication-outlines-a-positive-deviance-approach-to-increase-positive-peer-relationships-among-youth\/","title":{"rendered":"New publication outlines a Positive Deviance approach to increase positive peer relationships among youth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The PD [Positive Deviance] approach guided by the HOPE framework creates an easy-to-follow model that honors the knowledge and skill sets of those in the organization or community to create lasting improvement and systemic change. -Laura Gallant, MSW, Research Associate at the HOPE National Resource Center<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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The positive deviance approach guided by the HOPE framework shows effectiveness for positive change in community-based settings<\/h2>\n

BOSTON, MA, November 7, 2025 \u2013 Researchers based at the HOPE National Resource Center published a paper, \u201cImproving Peer Relationships Through Positive Deviance Practices and the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework<\/a>,\u201d in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.<\/p>\n

The research team, in collaboration with Garden State Equality<\/a>, Positive Deviance (PD) subject matter expert Curt Lindberg, and club leaders at the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County<\/a> (BGCM), used a PD approach to conduct a quality improvement (QI) project at BGCM\u2019s Asbury Park location in New Jersey. They found the PD approach improved peer relationships among participating youth at the site. This research project outlines an actionable, PD-based strategy for community-based organizations to improve peer relationships by increasing access to positive childhood experiences (PCEs) through the HOPE framework and the Four Building Blocks of HOPE for the children and youth they serve.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe PD approach guided by the HOPE framework creates an easy-to-follow model that honors the knowledge and skill sets of those in the organization or community to create lasting improvement and systemic change,\u201d says Laura Gallant, MSW<\/a>, lead author and research associate at the HOPE National Resource Center.<\/p>\n

First study to examine peer relationships using a Positive Deviance approach<\/h2>\n

Originally developed in the 1990s, the Positive Deviance approach is designed to solve complex systemic problems internally within the community rather than bringing in external solutions. The PD approach identifies positive deviants (PDs), people or groups within the community who practice specific behaviors and strategies that produce a more successful result. Practices are then replicated and disseminated with others in the community creating systemic change that lasts.<\/p>\n

The PD approach has been used across multiple fields, including public health, education, and organizational development. This study with BGCM is the first known application of the PD approach in a community-based setting.<\/p>\n

Increasing access to positive relationships and opportunities for emotional growth: a replicable model for community-based organizations to follow<\/h2>\n

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County provide a safe and supportive space to empower children and youth through programming and services, including homework assistance, technology centers, and job assistance.<\/p>\n

At the Asbury Park location, the research team implemented a QI project based on the PD approach that included:<\/p>\n