ERIC Number: EJ990313
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Sep
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0270-1367
EISSN: N/A
Social Connection and Psychological Outcomes in a Physical Activity-Based Youth Development Setting
Ullrich-French, Sarah; McDonough, Meghan H.; Smith, Alan L.
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, v83 n3 p431-441 Sep 2012
It is believed that the social connections formed by participating in physical activity-based positive youth development (PYD) programs contributes to building personal and social assets. In this study, we examined how changes in social connection over a physical activity-based PYD program for low-income youth were associated with changes in psychological outcomes. Participants (N = 197) completed pre- and postprogram questionnaires assessing leader support, social competence, physical competence, and psychological outcomes (global self-worth, physical self-worth, attraction to physical activity, and hope). Social competence, physical competence, physical self-worth, and global self-worth increased significantly over the 4-week program. Changes in social connections predicted changes in psychological outcomes. Effect sizes were modest but suggest that social interventions hold potential to promote positive outcomes in underserved youth. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Youth Programs, Low Income Groups, Children, Adolescents, Interpersonal Relationship, Psychological Patterns, Interpersonal Competence, Self Concept, Program Effectiveness
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Self Perception Profile for Children
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A