Organized extracurricular activities: are in-school and out-of-school activities associated with different outcomes for Canadian youth?
BACKGROUND
Participation in extracurricular activities can have positive effects on youth, with greater participation associated with higher academic as well as better socioemotional and behavioral outcomes. Little research has examined differential effects of in-school and out-of-school activities.


METHODS
This study examines in-school and out-of-school extracurricular activities for 14- to 17-year-olds using a population-based sample of Canadian youth. Associations with socioemotional and academic outcomes, and having tried smoking, alcohol, and marijuana were examined.


RESULTS
Weekly participation in both in-school and out-of-school activities were associated with positive and negative outcomes. In particular, youth who participated in out-of-school activities or in both in-school and out-of-school activities had better socioemotional outcomes. Academic outcomes were associated with in-school and out-of-school sports and nonsport activities. Youth who participated weekly in nonsport activities regardless of the context (in-school or out-of-school) were less likely to have tried smoking, alcohol, or marijuana. However, weekly participation in in-school sports was associated with an increased likelihood of failing a course; youth who participated weekly in out-of-school sports were more likely to have tried alcohol.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that participation in extracurricular activities, regardless of context, encourage positive youth development.
Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada, R.H. Coats Building, 24th Floor, 100 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6, Canada.
Anne
A
Guèvremont
Leanne
L
Findlay
Dafna
D
Kohen
D000293:Adolescent; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D012574:Schools; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*
academic achievement; adolescents; emotional health; risk-taking behavior