International Journal of Sport, Exercise and Health Research 2024; 8(2): 26-31 DOI: 10.31254/sportmed.8201

Research Article

Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sports: Pilot Test of Relational and Character-Based Team Culture Resources Among Middle- and High-School StudentAthletes

Peter C Scales¹ , Nanyamka Redmond² , Cassidy Lichtman³ , Grant Lichtman⁴ , Benjamin J. Houltberg⁵ , Amy K Syvertsen⁶

Peter C Scales,Nanyamka Redmond,Cassidy Lichtman,Grant Lichtman,Benjamin J. Houltberg,Amy K Syvertsen

1. Ph.D., USPTA, Senior Fellow, Search Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA
2. Ph.D. Research Scientist, Search Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA
3. M.A. Founder, P/ATH (Progress Through Athletics), Poway, CA, USA and Director of Volleyball, Athletes Unlimited
4. M.S. Educational Consultant, Poway, CA, US
5. President & CEO, Search Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA
6. Ph.D. Principal Researcher, American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC, USA

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 15th December, 2023 / Accepted: 10th March, 2024

Abstract

Background: Most youth sports coaches receive little training, especially in how to promote positive youth development (PYD) through sport. There is a continuing need to identify brief, easily applied interventions with a strong theoretical base and practical, effective activities for promoting PYD through youth sport. Purpose: The current study surveyed a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 262 6th-12th grade students from private independent schools and sports clubs across the U.S. to examine how a brief video series showcasing highly-accomplished athletes discussing character-building, mastery-oriented, and team climate messages, and accompanying activity guides, were linked to positive youth development outcomes Methods: Coaches were sent links to the videos and to accompanying activity guides. Coaches were asked to watch the videos with their teams and engage in a discussion/reflection or extended activity as recommended in the videos and user guides, at their pace but within 3-4 weeks. Four weeks after sending the video links, each school/club was sent a unique survey link. Following the consent procedures of the participating schools, coaches and student-athletes completed anonymous online surveys. Findings: Use of the resources was linked to greater odds of a team climate being high in competitive character building principles (called Compete-Learn-Honor), and in perceived developmental relationships. In turn, a competitive character-building team climate was linked to greater confidence in the coach, deriving a sense of purpose from their sport, and intention to continue in the sport. A team climate high in developmental relationships predicted greater confidence in coach and deriving purpose from their sport Conclusion: These brief and easy to implement resources are linked with a positive, mastery-oriented team climate and other aspects of student-athletes’ positive youth development