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- Title
More Than Just Keeping Busy: The Protective Effects of Organized Activity Participation on Violence and Substance Use Among Urban Youth.
- Authors
Eisman, Andria B.; Lee, Daniel B.; Hsieh, Hsing-Fang; Stoddard, Sarah A.; Zimmerman, Marc A.
- Abstract
Violence and substance use disproportionately affect African American youth in urban, disadvantaged communities. Expanding positive peer and adult connections is a mechanism by which organized activity participation may reduce risk of negative outcomes. We assessed if organized activity participation decreases the likelihood of later negative outcomes through expanding positive social connections using a parallel mediation model (Wave 1: N = 681; 50% female; Mage = 14.86 years; SD = 0.65). We found indirect effects from participation to cigarette use (b = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.07, −0.01) and violent behavior (b = −0.04; 95% CI: −0.07, −0.01) through positive peer connections. We did not find indirect effects through positive adult connections. This may be because of the notable influence of peers on negative outcomes during adolescence. Organized activities can help youth expand positive peer connections, which, in turn, reduces risk of later negative outcomes. Implications for prevention are discussed.
- Subjects
SOCIAL participation; STUDENT activities; URBAN youth; SUBSTANCE use of youth; SUBSTANCE abuse prevention; VIOLENCE prevention; AFFINITY groups
- Publication
Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 2018, Vol 47, Issue 10, p2231
- ISSN
0047-2891
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10964-018-0868-8