All Things in Moderation? Threshold Effects in Adolescent Extracurricular Participation Intensity and Behavioral
Jennifer L Matjasko1, Kristin M Holland1, Melissa K Holt2
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS-F63, Atlanta, GA 30341.
The Journal of School Health
|January 4, 2019
Summary
Participating in school activities for 3-4 hours weekly can reduce adolescent bullying and fighting. This finding suggests moderation in extracurriculars may be a key prevention strategy for youth violence.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Psychology
- Youth Development
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- School-based extracurricular activities are key for adolescent prosocial engagement.
- The study investigates the
- overscheduling hypothesis
- regarding activity intensity and youth behavior.
- Potential threshold effects of structured activity intensity on bullying and fighting are examined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the overscheduling hypothesis in relation to adolescent bullying and fighting.
- To determine if negative relationships between activity intensity and negative behaviors decline at higher intensities.
- To identify threshold effects in the intensity of school-based extracurricular activity participation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Dane County Youth Survey with 14,124 participants.
- Analyzed the relationship between extracurricular activity intensity and bullying perpetration.
- Investigated physical fighting rates and potential threshold effects.
Main Results:
- A negative relationship exists between extracurricular activity intensity and bullying perpetration and physical fighting.
- Threshold effects were observed at 3 to 4 hours of activity per week.
- Low-income adolescents reported more fighting, and the protective effect of activity was concentrated in this group.
Conclusions:
- Moderate participation (3-4 hours/week) in school activities may prevent bullying and fighting.
- School-based activities offer a positive, supportive context for adolescents.
- Further research is needed on how activity intensity impacts adolescent functioning.
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