NCJ Number
213848
Journal
Journal of Adolescence Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 289-298
Date Published
April 2006
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study assessed whether psychological engagement with a service activity and number of hours spent can predict changes in social responsibility and community belonging among a group of adolescents.
Abstract
Results indicated that psychological engagement but not number of hours spent was significantly related to changes in feelings of community belonging and social responsibility. This relationship remained stable when prior participants, gender, and prior sexual history were controlled. The findings hold implications for service learning professionals who should understand the importance of engaging youth in service activities rather than simply scheduling them for “hours.” Participants were 68 teenagers who were recruited from a larger evaluation study of sexuality education programs. Participants volunteered for a total of 10 hours in a program called Postponing Sexual Involvement and also participated in required training and supervisory meetings for the program. Participants completed a survey prior to being trained as team leaders and again at the end of the school year. The survey focused on time spent as a volunteer in the program, psychological engagement, community belonging, and social responsibility. Pre-test and post-test scores were compared using two-tailed paired t-tests. Data analysis also included the use of multivariate linear regressions. Future studies should continue to assess indictors of the benefits of community service for teenagers. Tables, references