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Abstract
Using a prospective design, the present study tested predictions regarding processes that protect positive development during emerging adulthood among rural African American men. Positive development was defined by state hope, perceived life chances, self-regulation, and vocational engagement. Childhood adversity was defined by two indices: commission experiences (abuse) and omission experiences (neglect). It was hypothesized that positive development during emerging adulthood would be influenced by two promotive factors: supportive parental relationships and community resources. Promotive influences were tested via two conceptual models using multiple regression. The compensatory factor model examined these influences by exploring independent, direct effects on positive development with each adversity factor controlled. The protective factor model examined these factors by exploring the moderation of the influence of two types of childhood adversity, commission and omission, on positive development. Study findings revealed compensatory effects for both promotive factors with direct, positive effects on development independent of adversity measures.