Capturing the Youth Perspective: Using Photographs to Explore Member Experiences at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Loading...
Authors
Cembal, Kori
Date
2015-06-02
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Extracurricular Activities , Postive Youth Development
Alternative Title
Abstract
Introduction: How youth cope with the many changes associated with adolescence, such as physical and sexual maturation, psychological development, changes in social situations, and often, new home life dynamics, determines whether or not they will make a healthy transition into adulthood (Breinbauer, 2005; Fraser-Thomas et al., 2005; Lerner, 2002; Roth & Brooks-Gunn, 2003; Roth et al., 1998). Programs promoting Positive Youth Development (PYD) have been shown to equip youth with competencies to successfully navigate this transition but programs are not equally available to youth of all socioeconomic strata. Not-for-profit programs such as The Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada strive to enhance accessibility to PYD experiences by offering low-cost or no-cost programs that are guided by PYD principles (Kerr, 2011; Roth & Brooks-Gunn, 2003). Though programs like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada aim to provide a setting and opportunities for PYD, evidence linking program content to PYD from a youth perspective is scant (Lerner, 2005). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore youth perspectives of their Boys and Girls Club involvement through the lens of PYD outcomes and to examine how these perspectives fit with aspects of PYD endorsed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. Methods: Boys and Girls Club youth members (n=7) were trained in Photovoice methodology to explore their experiences in Boys and Girls Club programming through photographs. Youth took photographs and shared the stories behind their photographs via interviews. Interviews were analyzed deductively, using Lerner and colleagues 5 C’s of PYD framework, and inductively for emerging themes using NVivo 10. Results: Youth participants indicated that their experiences at the Boys and Girls club were influenced by diverse factors; they also talked about how their participation in programs helped them develop interpersonal connections and individual growth. Overarching themes were: 1) PYD outcomes, and 2) ecological factors. Discussion: Youth participants displayed growth on an individual level through assets, experiences and opportunities made available to them through the Boys and Girls Club. This study contributes to the growing body of literature highlighting the importance of accessible PYD programming for adolescents.
Description
Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2015-05-31 11:32:36.334
Citation
Publisher
License
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.