NCJ Number
215862
Journal
Youth & Society Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 348-371
Date Published
March 2006
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study examined factors effecting the motivation of underserved youth in physical activity programs.
Abstract
Main results indicated that youth gained more enjoyment from a climate perceived to emphasize task involvement and de-emphasize ego involvement. This finding supports previous research suggesting that variations in the motivational climate are important for maximizing the positive benefits. Other results revealed that task factors were positively associated with continued interest in sports and with positive future expectations, however this relationship was mediated by Hellison’s “taking personal responsibility” (TPSR) model. Specifically, when the program included components of caring for others, goal setting, and self-responsibility, greater positive outcomes for youth were observed. The findings thus suggest that in order to maximize enjoyment, sports interest, and future expectations of participation in group activities, the programmatic climate should emphasize task-involved criteria as well as caring, goal setting, and self-responsibility. Participants were 62 boys and 68 girls who ranged in age from 10 to 13 years and were enrolled in a summer sports camp. Participants were recruited from their elementary and middle schools in low income or underserved areas and completed a series of surveys in their classrooms that measured goal orientations, perceptions of the motivational climate, enjoyment, sports interest, future expectations, and leader respect. Data analysis involved the use of correlational analyses as well as a series of recursive path models. Follow-up studies should focus on improving the assessment of Hellison’s TPSR model. References