Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Phillips, Tommy M.

Committee Member

Hardman, Alisha M.

Committee Member

Peterson, Donna J.

Committee Member

Swortzel, Kirk A.

Date of Degree

12-8-2023

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Human Development and Family Science

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

School of Human Sciences

Abstract

Previous literature has indicated a relationship between poverty, participation in extracurricular activities, and developmental outcomes. The current study aimed to investigate and develop a deeper understanding of extracurricular activities (ECAs) and their impacts on adolescent development using two self-report tools, the YES 2.0 and the Delinquent Attitude Scale (DAS). The researcher surveyed 174 high school seniors from students attending schools in poverty areas and students attending schools not located in poverty areas in Mississippi, examining disparities in ECA opportunities, barriers to participation, and the positive and negative impacts of ECAs on development. Additional data were collected from school administrators, allowing the researcher to compare ECA participation among students attending schools in poverty areas and students attending schools not located in poverty areas and the barriers that impact this participation. Results showed that students attending schools in poverty areas were less likely to participate in ECAs than those students attending schools not located in poverty areas. Lack of awareness about programs was the most common barrier reported by students. To address this, it is recommended that schools emphasize recruiting for ECAs and involve students at younger

ages. Regarding the impact of ECAs on development, participation in ECAs was found to have a positive impact on certain developmental areas, regardless of poverty area. Negative outcomes were minimal in all poverty areas. However, excessive participation in ECAs adversely affected grades among students attending schools in poverty areas. Overall, this study highlights the importance of addressing disparities in ECA opportunities and barriers to participation and the potential positive impact of ECAs on adolescent development.

Download

Share

COinS