title: Sports Participation and Positive Correlates in African American, Latino, and White Girls.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to examine relations among sports participation and positive correlates across African American, Latino, and white girls. Positive correlate variables were self-perceptions (self-worth, body attractiveness, athletic competence), less depression, and participation in extracurricular activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample comprised 372 girls (mean age = 12.03 years). Data were analyzed using multiple-sample structural equation models, controlling for age and income.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across all ethnic groups, greater sports participation was significantly related to higher self-worth, body attractiveness, and athletic competence, and to more extracurricular activity. Among Latino and white girls only, greater sports participation also was related to less depression. There were significant age and income influences on the positive correlates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings confirm the existence of significant relationships between organized sports participation and positive correlates among early adolescent African American, Latino, and white girls. Despite a few ethnic differences in relationships, the current study revealed more similarities than differences.
authors.forename: Susan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Strycker
authors.forename: Nigel R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Chaumeton
keywords: ethnicity; girls; self-perceptions; sports