title: [The significance of extracurricular activities in the life of junior high school students].
abstract: In this study, the significance of extracurricular activities in the life of junior high school students were examined. Seventh and eighth graders participated in a two-stage questionnaire survey, administered in May and October. Based on developmental stage-environment fit theory (Eccles, Wigfield, & Schiefele, 1998), how well extracurricular activity settings fit needs of the students was analyzed. In support of the theory's hypothesis, results indicated that whether an extracurricular activity satisfied the student's developmental needs affected his/her sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in school life. In addition, the effect of seventh graders' commitment to extracurricular activities on their satisfaction of school life was stronger in October than in May. The findings suggested that for students who felt uneasy in class for whatever reasons, extracurricular activities provided an opportunity for relief.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Humanities and Science, Ochanomizu University, Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sumiya
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Muto
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*