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The relationship between co-curricular participation and adolescent outcomes
Author
Chong, Roland Kim Poh
Supervisor
Chong, Wan Har
Abstract
In recent years, there have been growing interests to understand the roles that cocurricular activity may play to influence positive and negative developmental outcomes in adolescents. This retrospective study is unique in examining the relationships of school-based co-curricular activity variables of breadth, time intensity and activity type and adolescent outcomes of school membership, students’ life satisfaction, self-esteem, risky behaviours, personal strengths and difficulties. A survey was conducted with a sample of 287 secondary three adolescent students from two different academic groupings of express and normal stream who self-reported their co-curricular participation in secondary one and two in a single session. Two theoretical perspectives of the identification/commitment model and developmental model were investigated.
Results showed females and adolescents in express stream to be more active than their peers, with higher breadth and higher intensity in year 1 and 2. Males were likely to participate in sports and games while females preferred to join uniform group and performing arts. Higher school belonging was positively associated with students’ life satisfaction, self-esteem, personal strengths but was negatively associated with personal difficulties and risky behaviours. Consistent with other studies, co-curricular activity participation promoted school membership or belonging and reduced risky behaviours. Breadth and intensity in year 1 showed some cumulative positive effects on breadth and intensity in year 2. Breadth has a more robust relationship with adolescent outcomes than intensity. Significant predictors of breadth in year 2 include academic stream and school membership.
Longitudinal research on continuous participation in co-curricular activity, the framework of a developmental-ecological model, and mediating effect of peer group association are recommended for future studies.
Results showed females and adolescents in express stream to be more active than their peers, with higher breadth and higher intensity in year 1 and 2. Males were likely to participate in sports and games while females preferred to join uniform group and performing arts. Higher school belonging was positively associated with students’ life satisfaction, self-esteem, personal strengths but was negatively associated with personal difficulties and risky behaviours. Consistent with other studies, co-curricular activity participation promoted school membership or belonging and reduced risky behaviours. Breadth and intensity in year 1 showed some cumulative positive effects on breadth and intensity in year 2. Breadth has a more robust relationship with adolescent outcomes than intensity. Significant predictors of breadth in year 2 include academic stream and school membership.
Longitudinal research on continuous participation in co-curricular activity, the framework of a developmental-ecological model, and mediating effect of peer group association are recommended for future studies.
Date Issued
2009
Call Number
BF724.3.I3 Cho
Date Submitted
2009