| What is MCAW? The Malaysian Child-Adolescent Well-being (MCAW) study is a study exploring the psychosocial adjustment of adolescents in Malaysian secondary schools. Its aims are as follows: 1. To explore psychosocial indicators of healthy adolescent development 2. To explore the association between school supports and adolescent psychosocial and learning outcomes. How does MCAW measure adolescent well-being? MCAW uses a survey that is given to youth that measures factors in the social, emotional, behavioral and environmental dimensions of adolescence. This survey is designed from the best measures used in the United States and elsewhere in the world. It is given free of charge. Who are the adolescents involved? Students from Form 1 up to Form 5. When was this survey administered? The first phase of data collection was conducted in July 2003 - August 2003 Who is involved in this project? This project is spearheaded by a Malaysian team, Brendan Gomez and Patricia Ang, both former students of La Salle Klang and Convent Pulau Tikus respectively. Both are currently in the Doctoral program in Developmental Psychology at Pennsylvania State University. Patricia graduated with her Masters in Counseling from DeLaSalle University Manila and worked as a Student Counselor at TAR College (Setapak) and a volunteer counselor at Emmaus Center (PJ). Brendan graduated with a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Lewis University (LaSalle), Illinois and was involved in developing the Center for Psychology at HELP Institute (KL). Brendan is currently on the Fulbright Scholarship program. This project is supported by a team of internationally-known consultants in the field of child and adolescent research that includes Dr. Mark Greenberg, Dr. Doug Coatsworth, Dr. Craig Edelbrock and Dr. Ty Ridenour. |
| What does the survey involve? 1. Students complete the MCAW survey in 2 class periods or less. The logistics include arranging time periods when researchers and research assistants can enter the classroom and administer the survey. In arranging for the survey, the logistics include: a. providing relevant materials to the principal b. the schools completing a Logistics Form (see link below) c. a letter to the teachers (see link below) d. a letter to the class monitor (see link below) 2. We require passive parental consent for students completing this survey. A letter is sent to parents through the school (see link below). Parents who do not want their children to participate can inform the school. 3. Active student consent is also obtained (see link below). How does the school benefit from this survey? Results of this survey is reported to the school principal. The report will highlight areas that are promoting positive youth development, as well as areas that may require attention in enhancing psychological well-being of students. The report is ONLY made available to school principals. The larger benefits of MCAW Through MCAW, we are attempting to understand how adolescents grow into health and contributing adults in society. This knowledge will be used in a proposal to the Malaysian Ministry of Education outlining an effective approach in promoting positive youth development in all schools. |
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