Options
Participation in school-based co-curricular activities and developmental outcomes: A self-determination theory perspective
Citation
Yeo, L. S., Liem, G. A. D., & Tan, L. (2022). Participation in school-based co-curricular activities and developmental outcomes: A self-determination theory perspective. Current Psychology, 42, 31600–31618. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-04189-2
Abstract
Participation in school-organized co-curricular activities (CCAs) provides opportunities for youth to develop their interests, talents, and abilities. However, would students still reap the benefits of CCA if their participation is not voluntary? This study, conducted in Singapore schools where CCA is mandatory, investigated the impact of CCA on adolescent adjustment and factors which predict developmental outcomes. Self-determination theory (SDT) provided the theoretical basis for this study. Based on a survey research design, the study investigated the role of the quantity (i.e., breadth, duration, and intensity) and quality (i.e., motivation) of CCA participation on developmental outcomes (i.e., school belonging, lifelong learning, communication skill, confidence, and teamwork). It profiled the relationship between background variables (i.e., gender, stream, and grade) and the type of CCA undertaken by 1,190 Singaporean secondary school students, aged 12 to 19. Students completed a set of questionnaires twice over an academic year. After controlling for background variables, CCA types, and quantitative indicators of CCA participation, autonomous motivation in CCA participation positively predicted all the developmental outcomes in both the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Results supported SDT and highlighted the crucial role of autonomous motivation in predicting youth developmental outcomes. Implications for CCA participation that will lead to beneficial outcomes for students were discussed.
Date Issued
2022
Publisher
Springer Nature
Journal
Current Psychology
DOI
10.1007/s12144-022-04189-2
Project
OER 09/13 GADL
Funding Agency
Ministry of Education, Singapore