The Value of Belonging and Coach Expectations and Support in Promoting Youth Outcomes

BackgroundTwenty percent of youth in the United States lack age-appropriate social skills and are at risk for negative outcomes (Blumberg et al., 2008).  Sports-based positive youth development (PYD) programs have emerged to... [ view full abstract ]

Background

Twenty percent of youth in the United States lack age-appropriate social skills and are at risk for negative outcomes (Blumberg et al., 2008).  Sports-based positive youth development (PYD) programs have emerged to address these needs, especially among youth from vulnerable circumstances.  Research demonstrates the value of these programs (Anderson-Butcher et al., 2014). Little is known, however, about what mechanisms contribute to positive outcomes. This study explores the relationships among youth sense of belonging and perceived coach expectations and support and healthy behaviors among youth involved in a sport-based PYD summer camp program.   

Methods 

Four hundred and eighty seven youth involved in month long sports-based PYD summer program in the United States. Youth on average were 11.6 years old, 59.5% male, 82.0% African American, and 68% living in poverty. Youth completed pre- and post-test surveys assessing healthy behaviors such as physical activity and eating habits using the Healthy Lifestyles Scale (Anderson-Butcher & Amorose, 2017). Healthy lifestyles, coach expectations and coach support were measured at post-test.  Youth perceptions of coach expectations were measured using the Coaching Life Skills Behaviors Scale (Gould & Carson, 2010). Coach support was measured using the Leadership Practices Inventory (Kouzes & Posner, 1993). A Sense of Belonging was assessed using the Belonging Scale (Anderson-Butcher & Conroy, 2012).  

Results  

Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined the three predictor variables and post-test healthy behaviors after controlling for pre-test healthy behaviors.  The variance explained by the model was 32.1% (F (3, 345) = 55.74; p < .001).  Leader Support and a Sense of Belonging contributed most to the model. The role of Staff Expectations was non-significant.     

Conclusions and Implications

This study demonstrate the importance of belonging and staff support in promoting healthy behaviors among youth involved in sport-based PYD programs.  Implications for program design and staff training are drawn.