Participation in Clubs and Groups From Childhood to Adolescence and Its Effects on Attachment and Self-Esteem

• NCJ Number: 213031
• Journal: Journal of Adolescence Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2006 Pages: 1-17
• Author(s): Rob McGee; Sheila Williams; Philippa Howden-Chapman; Jennifer Martin; Ichiro Kawachi
• Date Published: February 2006
• Length: 17 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services; New Zealand Health Research Council
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study, which was conducted in Dunedin, New Zealand, examined whether participation in "cultural/youth" and "sports" clubs and groups from childhood to adolescence increased adolescent self-esteem and attachments to parents, friends, and school/workplace.

Abstract

Levels of participation in such groups were found to be relatively high at ages 9-11, with nearly 8 in every 10 children participating in at least 1 cultural or youth group and 3 in every 4 participating in at least 1 organized sports group. Participation in these organizations declined over time. By late adolescence, less than half the sample were involved with sports groups, and fewer than 25 percent participated in cultural/youth groups. Family activities and interests were generally linked to the extent of involvement and choice of groups. Early socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with lower parental interest and child's participation in organizations and clubs. Participation in sports and cultural/youth groups was linked to more self-reported strengths and higher levels of attachment to parents, peers, and school in adolescence, even after controlling for relevant childhood variables. The strength of these variables persisted into young adulthood (21 years old). Study participants belonged to a cohort born between April 1, 1972, and March 31, 1973. After an initial assessment of the children, subsequent assessments were conducted every 2 years from ages 3 to 15, and then at ages 18, 21, 26, and 32. The initial cohort consisted of 1,037 children, and sample retention remained high over the period of assessments reported in this study (through age 21). At age 9, parents reported on children's involvement in clubs/organizations. Similar questions were posed to parents when the child was 11 years old. At ages 13 and 15, each adolescent indicated his/her degree of participation in clubs/organizations. Self-perceived strengths were measured at ages 15, 18, and 21. Attachments to parents, peers, and place of education or work were also measured at these ages. 5 tables, 2 figures, and 39 references