Trajectories of Organized Activity Participation Among Urban Adolescents: An Analysis of Predisposing Factors

Abstract

Organized activity participation provides important opportunities for adolescents to develop assets and resources related to positive youth development. Predisposing factors, in addition to sociodemographics and self-selection factors, may influence how youth participate over time. In this study, we used growth mixture modeling with longitudinal data from African American adolescents attending urban high schools in Flint, MI to identify subgroups of participation trajectories (Wave 1 N=681, mean age at wave 1=14.86 years, 51% female). We measured activity participation using psychological and behavioral engagement across multiple contexts over the four years of high school. We examined how predisposing risk and promotive factors were related to these trajectories, accounting for sociodemographic and self-selection factors. The results indicated three participation trajectories: a low group decreasing over time (74%), a moderate, consistent participation group (21%) and a moderate, increasing group (5%). More substance use was associated with lower odds of being in the moderate/consistent versus low/decreasing participation group. More parental support was associated with lower odds of being in the moderate/increasing versus the moderate/consistent group. Our results suggest that addressing predisposing factors such as substance use may help facilitate participation over time.

Trajectories of participation in organized activities and outcomes in young adulthood

“…On the other hand, Eisman et al (2016) found a group of youths who followed a moderate and stable trajectory over the high school years (21%) and an extreme group of youths with high levels of participation over time (5%), as did we. Regarding the extreme group, we believed that many of these youths were likely to be athletes who were highly committed to their sport.…”

“…Eisman et al (2016) found a low and decreasing trajectory from grades 9 to 12. The proportion of youths following this trajectory in their study (74%) was similar to that in ours, even though the sample (i.e., at-risk), the measure of activity participation (i.e., a combination of frequency and intensity of participation), and ages (i.e., limited to the high school years) were different in Eisman et al's study.…”

“…These paths vary not only in the level of participation at the beginning of high school, but also in the pattern and pace of change over time. These results are discussed mainly in light of those of Eisman et al's (2016) study since, to our knowledge, this is the only other study that has examined trajectories of participation among a sample of high school students.…”

“…The results revealed a five-class model: stable low (53%), increasing high (4%), decreasing low (14%), decreasing moderate (15%), and increasing moderate (14%). Second, in a sample of 681 African-American adolescents at risk for school dropout, assessed four times (Grades 9 to 12) using a composite score reflecting both behavioral (frequency) and psychological (importance) engagement, Eisman et al (2016) found a threeclass model to be the optimal solution: low and decreasing (74%), moderate and stable (21%), and moderate and increasing (5%). The goal of both studies was to predict membership in the distinct trajectories.…”

“…Third, similar to Eisman et al (2016) and Mata and van Dulmen (2012), we chose to emphasize organized activity participation across activity types and contexts, focusing on intensity of participation across all the activities reported by the youths each year. However, other dimensions of participation, such as breadth, have been associated with positive outcomes in young adulthood (Busseri et al, 2011).…”