Adolescent trajectories in situations of adversity: A mixed-method approach to understanding educational and leadership outcomes

The context in which youths grow up influences the lives they are capable of living. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study analyses the risk and promotive factors associated with educational and leadership outcomes in Colombian youth. Results suggest that poverty and inadequate social services are key obstacles to the attainment of positive school and leadership outcomes, while parental involvement is among the most important promotive factors associated with such outcomes. Our qualitative findings show that teachers' and peers' motivational support promotes adolescents' positive leadership and educational trajectories, as does educational institution and teacher quality.