| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 359730 | Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology | 2013 | 11 Pages |
•We use multilevel modeling to examine correlates for youth belonging and cognitive engagement in organized activities.•Staff welcoming practices positively predicted youth belonging.•Provision for active skill-building positively predicted youth cognitive engagement.•Intensity of exposure positively predicted belonging and cognitive engagement.•Relations between staff practices and youth involvement experience were found to vary by content type
Numerous studies of organized activities have found that participation is associated with a range of positive outcomes; however, findings from recent randomized trials have been more mixed. Understanding youth's psychological experiences of program involvement – their cognitive and emotional reaction to and participation in activities – may be key to understanding the influence of organized activities. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to investigate correlates of youth belonging and cognitive engagement in a sample of 1160 youth in 123 program offerings in 66 sites. Results revealed that intensity (frequency) of exposure positively predicted belonging and cognitive engagement; however, duration was negatively associated with cognitive engagement. The staff practice of providing a welcoming atmosphere predicted belonging; whereas provision of active skill-building predicted cognitive engagement. These relations were found to vary across content type.
