This study examined underserved youth participants' perceptions of commitment to an extended day physical activity program using Hellison's (1995) responsibility model. Seven participants ranging in age from 12 to 15 years participated in the study. Two personal interviews and a focus group interview were used to obtain participants' perceptions ofprogram commitment. Results revealed that program organization, personal characteristics, development of interpersonal relationships, and the program environment influenced their program commitment. Participants described the nature of commitment in terms of program behavior, emotional involvement, and program history. While the type of activity was cited as a positive influence on program commitment, the specific activity could also serve as a barrier to program commitment. Implications for program development andfuture research are offered.
This research examined resilience processes in context through a narrative case study of Tasha, a young African-American woman who grew up in a poverty-ridden area of a mid-sized city in the Southeast. Personal and external data are analyzed and interpreted in terms of contextually defined themes of adversity (i.e., intersectionality of social identities, lack of attachment to her primary caregiver, and teenage pregnancy); adaptation (i.e., high school graduation, career goalsetting, commitment to her children, and ''street'' competence); and, protective processes (i.e., individual attributes, natural mentors, and extended family support). The importance of external sources of support and Tasha as an active agent in her development is highlighted. Research and practical implications are discussed.
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