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Building Connections: The role of Reflection in Social and Emotional Learning Among Youth Living in Poverty

Williams, Ellen
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1555006010267362

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Social Work, Ohio State University, Social Work.
Many youth in the United States are encountering risk factors that negatively impact positive youth development. Some risk factors include poverty, neighborhood and community violence, underdeveloped social skills, and poor academic performance. Research shows that youth who are socially vulnerable, such as youth of color and/or those living in poverty, may have heightened exposure to these risk factors. However, research has supported positive youth development (PYD) programs, specifically sports-based ones, as a tool to combat risk factors while simultaneously teaching vital social skills to promote protective factors among youth participants. One notable gap in the sports and PYD literature remains in exploring specific mechanisms and program design features that lead to better outcomes among youth. Further, research has yet to determine if certain youth may benefit more from involvement in sports-based PYD programs, especially among African American youth and/or those living in poverty. Notably, the use of reflection to enhance social skills has gained interest in the field of research. Reflection, however, is a neglected field of study and the true impact of this tool, specifically self-reflective journaling, is unknown. Using a mixed methods approach, the current study sought to gain a better understanding of African American youths’ living in poverty experiences through two years involvement in a sports-based PYD program. Further, the study also aimed to explore changes and growth in youths self-reflections over time through journaling about use of key social skills related to the program, as well as application of these skills in real life. In the study, a content analysis was performed to determine key themes and subthemes within the journals. Journals were also examined for differences in content, reflections, and connectivity over time. The study resulted in a rich and deep understanding of these youths’ experiences while involved in a sports-based PYD program for two years. Further, findings reflected the importance of journaling and how reflection strengthened youths’ understanding of social skills and how to use them in various contexts. Findings from the study showed key mechanisms and program design features that may be beneficial to youth participating in sports and PYD programs. Considered together, journaling and reflection may play a key role in enhancing learning among youth, as well as lead to greater transfer of skills to real life. Implications of the current study include implementing journaling and identified beneficial program design features within sports and PYD programs, especially among youth who are socially vulnerable.
Dawn Anderson-Butcher (Advisor)
Kathryn Maguire-Jack (Committee Member)
129 p.
Behavioral Sciences; Social Work; Sports Management

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Williams, E. (2019). Building Connections: The role of Reflection in Social and Emotional Learning Among Youth Living in Poverty [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1555006010267362

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Williams, Ellen. Building Connections: The role of Reflection in Social and Emotional Learning Among Youth Living in Poverty. 2019. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1555006010267362.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Williams, Ellen. "Building Connections: The role of Reflection in Social and Emotional Learning Among Youth Living in Poverty." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1555006010267362

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1555006010267362
335
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.