Changes in developmental assets and physical activity frequency among 3rd–5th grade girls participating in a girl-focused sport-based positive youth development program

Abstract

Despite the numerous benefits of physical activity on mental, cognitive, social, and physical health, females are less active than males. Sport-based positive youth development (PYD) programs designed for girls may offer the unique blend of sport and life skills that address girl-specific physical activity determinants. The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term outcomes of a girl-focused sport-based PYD among 3rd–5th grade girls. A secondary analysis of pre- and post-intervention evaluation data was conducted to assess developmental assets, overall PYD, and physical activity among intervention participants (n = 384). Data analyses included descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests to determine pre- to post-intervention changes. Results revealed statistically significant improvements in competence (p = .001), confidence (p < .001), and connectedness (p = .001) developmental assets, as well as overall PYD (p < .001) and physical activity frequency (p < .001). Findings suggest that a girl-focused sport-based PYD program may produce improvements in targeted development assets and physical activity frequency. This study provides preliminary data to support future studies examining the short-term effectives of sport-based PYD programs for addressing physical activity determinants among preadolescent girls.