FRASER-THOMAS, J.
York University
COTE, J., Queen’s University
HOLT, N., University of Alberta
SRG 2008
Français
Organized leisure activities such as sports can serve as contexts to foster positive youth development (Larson, 2000), but there is significant diversity across programs. The purpose of this project is to examine adolescents’ developmental experiences associated with different types of organized sport programs, and explore characteristics of programs that appear to foster positive youth development. In Phase 1, approximately 1500 participants aged 12-18 involved in a diverse range of sport programs will complete the Youth Experience Survey 2.0 (YES 2.0; Hansen & Larson, 2005). Expected results will highlight specific contextual factors (e.g., small programs) associated with particular developmental experiences (e.g., positive relationships). In Phase 2, the most positive and negative developmental profiles from Phase 1 (N = 15 sport programs) will be examined in more depth through interviews and focus groups with coaches, administrators, and athletes. Expected results will shed light on how programs may be contributing to specific positive and negative developmental experiences. Findings will serve as a foundation to build future guidelines and reform strategies in youth sport programs.
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