The interconnection between positive youth development and migration: A qualitative study of mental well-being in Albanian youth

Résumé

This qualitative study examines the interconnection between Positive Youth Development (PYD), well-being, and migration tendencies among youth in Albania, focusing on the 5Cs framework: competence, confidence, connection, caring, and character. Data were collected through eight focus groups with 62 participants aged 16–24 in Tirana and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that perceptions of personal competence and confidence, quality of social connections, and character-related values play a central role in shaping youths’ well-being and their considerations of migration. The results highlight the complex interplay between individual and social resources in youth decision-making. These insights inform the design of targeted interventions to promote supportive environments, youth empowerment, and overall well-being.