Leisha Strachan - Post Doctoral Stipend 2008
University of Manitoba
Français
Every year millions of children and youth participate in organized sport. While the physical benefits of sport participation are clear, the psychosocial outcomes of participation are not as well established. Positive youth development (PYD) has advanced the idea that youth are resources to be cultivated; the development of young people involves fostering positive outcomes rather than simply reducing problem behaviors (Benson et al., 2006). In fact, participation in sport has been linked to higher rates of initiative, teamwork, and emotional regulation when compared to other structured activities (Larson et al., 2006). A recurring theme in this line of research, however, is the need to establish deliberate delivery so that positive outcomes are more likely. The use of technology has the potential for being a key factor in program delivery. Technology is a significant aspect of children’s lives (Rideout et al., 2005) and will continue to be extensively used by youth. Although PYD interventions using technology have yet to be conducted, physical activity interventions for youth using different forms of technology have been used with varying degrees of success. Results from studies show that technology is a viable method of intervening with youth meaning that other benefits, such as positive personal development, could be gained through technology-based interventions.
The purpose of the project is to design and deliver an innovative, technology-based PYD program focused on youth sport to participants aged 12-17 years from Western, Central, and Atlantic Canada. The SCORE! (Sport COnnect and REspect) program will use technology (i.e., website, mobile application) to design and deliver a PYD program that will supplement participation in an organized sport setting. The following research question will be considered: Can a technology-based positive youth development intervention have a positive effect on the personal development of young athletes?
Results will have a direct impact on youth and coaches alike; young people will learn valuable skills that can be transferred throughout development while enhancing sport competence and participation while coaches will gain knowledge that will assist with their coaching development and create positive sport contexts for children and youth.
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