Date of Award
10-2011
Document Type
Master Thesis
Degree Name
Masters of Science (Research)
Department
Ms Una Moynihan
Abstract
The genesis of this study emerges from an interest in exploring the potential of sport as a means of advancement of the individual and by extension society. Lerner (2004) for example highlights the importance of adolescent development when he ascertains that “the future of civil society in the world rests on the promotion of positive development and a commitment to positive and socially just community contributions by the young”. A body of empirical evidence based on the broad principals of Positive Youth Development (PYD) has suggested that sport can provide the catalyst for youth development(Hellison, 2000; Fraser Thomas et al, 2005)
Adolescent theory abounds with the benefits of sporting involvement. Bandura(2005) highlights the corollary benefits of those involved in sport staying healthy. Involvement in sport according to Busseri (2007) serves both as a promotive factor for positive development and a product of successful development. However much of the research in the field is of an American origin and therefore a more cultural specific investigation is necessary.
A twenty week early morning multi sports programme consisting of seventy five sessions which facilitated some degree of student choice was delivered to first year students in an all boys secondary school (N=44)
Methodology- Three psycho social indicators namely self-determination, resilience and connectedness were test pre and post intervention. Two academic indicators namely exam scores and absenteeism were tested post intervention. Personal factors associated with physical activity were examined pre intervention also.
Key findings-Those who attended more than 70% of the early morning sessions showed a significantly higher rate of growth in levels of self determination compared with those who attended less than 70% of sessions. This group (N=21) also showed a significant growth in levels of resilience which was not demonstrated by those who achieved attendance of less than 70% and those in the control group. Involvement in a sports club and participation in the school based programme were both found to correlate positively with exam results and absenteeism.
Recommended Citation
McMahon, Tim, "“Sport @ Dawn”-PYD in Action? An Investigation of the Youth Development Effects of a School-based Multi Sport Initiative on First Year Boys" (2011). Theses [online].
Available at: https://sword.cit.ie/allthe/800
Access Level
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Coverage
July 2024