Recognition of Values-Based Constructs in a Summer Physical Activity Program

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent participants in a summer sports camp embraced values-based constructs and to examine the relationship between perceptions of values-based constructs and affect and attitude. Participants included 135 ethnically diverse boys and girls (mean age 11.98 years) attending the National Youth Sport Program (NYSP). Participants' perceptions of the extent the program emphasized values-based constructs and participants' enjoyment, interest in sport, future expectations, and respect of leadership were assessed. Factor analysis revealed three values-based constructs: Care for Others/Goal Setting, Self-Responsibility, and Self-Control/Respect. Correlational analyses revealed that emphasizing values-based criteria was positively related to the participant's sport enjoyment, interest in sport, positive future expectations, and greater respect for leaders. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.     

The Role of a Caring-Based Intervention in a Physical Activity Setting

This preliminary study examined the effect of a caring-based versus a traditionally-focused physical activity intervention on underserved adolescents’ perceptions of the caring climate, the motivational climate, empathetic concern, enjoyment, and future anticipated participation. Multiethnic youth (N = 353) aged 9 to 17 involved in two National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) sites participated in the study. The Caring Group (n = 90) participated in a program infused with themes of caring while the Traditional Group (n = 263) followed prototypical NYSP training, practices, and procedures. Self report assessments were gathered after 5 weeks in either setting. After accounting for demographic differences findings revealed that the Caring Group perceived significantly higher levels of a caring climate, empathetic concern, future expected participation, and lower levels of perceptions of an ego-involving motivational climate. The relevance of these findings with respect to the optimal development of youth is discussed. Dr. Maria Newton is a faculty member in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Utah. She is interested in optimizing the impact of physical activity on the psychosocial and social-emotional development of underserved youth. She teaches courses in sport psychology, motivation, and character development. Dr. Doris Watson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sports Education Leadership at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Dr. Lori Gano-Overway is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Bridgewater College. Dr. May Fry is affiliated with Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence. Dr. Mi-Sook Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at San Francisco State University and Dr. Michelle Magyar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at CSU-Long Beach. Bio and teaching/research interests available upon request.