title: A propensity score matching study of participation in community activities: a path to positive outcomes for youth in New Zealand?
abstract: Extracurricular activities are important in many young people's lives and have been associated with positive academic, psychological, and social outcomes. However, most previous research has been limited to school-based activities in the North American context. This study expands existing literature by analyzing longitudinal data from more than 1,300 young Māori and European New Zealanders, using propensity score matching techniques to control for selection effects. Results suggest that youth participating in community-based activities experienced greater social support than nonparticipants. For Māori youth, participating in nonsports activities was associated with later benefits, while for New Zealand European youth, benefits were associated with sports activities. Participants of different ages reported different types of benefits. These findings highlight points of similarity and difference between New Zealand and North American youth and provide a better understanding of the positive impacts of community-based activities for young people.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Applied Cross-Cultural Research.
authors.forename: Seini
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.affiliation: Centre for Applied Cross-Cultural Research.
authors.forename: Paul E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Jose
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D057216:Propensity Score; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012944:Social Support; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology