Getting Involved, Doing Well, Feeling Connected: How Participation in Community Activities Relates to PositiveDevelopmental Outcomes in a Culturally Diverse Sample of Young New Zealanders

摘要

Extracurricular activities are important in many young people’s lives, andhave been associated with positive academic, psychological, and socialoutcomes. However, most previous studies have focused only on correlationsbetween participation and outcomes, and few have explored ethno-culturaldifferences. Using multivariate and propensity score matching techniques tocontrol for selection effects, this study analysed longitudinal data collectedfrom over 1700 young New Zealanders. Results suggest that youth whoparticipated in community-based activities reported higher levels ofadjustment (had higher general wellbeing, social support, and lifesatisfaction) and felt more connected (to communities and schools) than thosewho did not. Sports participants, young men participating in arts orcommunity activities, and Māori youth participating in a combination of artsor community and sports activities appeared to benefit the most. Thesefindings form an important extension to previous research, and provide abetter understanding of the positive impacts of extracurricular activities foryouth in Aotearoa / New Zealand.