Athletic Participation and Growth

Research has provided evidence that athletic participation promotes growth and change in high school students (Ishee, 2004). For example, Marsh and Kleitman (2003) examined athletic participation in high school students with data from the National Education Longitudinal Study database. Team sports, individual sports, student backgrounds, school outcomes, and other extracurricular activities were examined along with standardized test scores, academic grades, homework, educational aspirations, and other variables such as self-esteem. Marsh and Kleitman (2003) reported findings that school athletic participation increased school identity and commitment to school activities. Extramural sports increased school identification and commitment more than intramural sports. This increased school identification and commitment benefited academic and nonacademic outcomes: academic grades increased, students did more homework and had higher educational aspirations, university applications and enrollment increased, as did educational level attainment (Marsh & Kleitman, 2003). As a result of findings such as these athletic participation is promoted in high schools nation-wide (Ishee, 2004). Schools facing budget cuts and financial problems are cautioned against cutting athletic programs, with particular emphasis on extramural and team sports. It is recommended that schools provide even more exciting athletic programs (Ishee, 2

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It can be argued that physical activity in sports results in increased health and well-being, which enhances academic achievement. A study is needed to further investigate the benefits of high school sports. Purpose of the Study The literature has reported benefits of high school athletics, but it is argued that these benefits may actually be due to the type of students that are drawn to sports activities. Since findings are inconclusive, further study of the issue is warranted. The purpose of this research study is to investigate the benefits of high school sports by examining student athletes at a Georgia high school to determine their perceptions of the effects of playing sports on study habits and academic goals. Theoretical Orientation A theoretical frame of reference may be used to explain the orientation of this study. Ryska (2003) presented the notion that an individual has a motivational perspective that influences views of success in achievement-related settings such as sports and academics. Participation in sports helps develop a dimension of self-identity, which impacts the self-evaluation process. Within this perspective, individuals who perceive themselves positively in the athletic role will have enh

Category: Psychology - A