title: The Impact of the Project K Youth Development Program on Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: A key issue for youth development programs is whether the learning they provide is transferred to participants' daily lives. It is also important that they are effective for the diverse range of participants they attract. This study used a randomized controlled trial design to measure the impact of Project K, a New Zealand-based youth development program, on academic and social self-efficacy. Project K combines a 3-week wilderness adventure, a 10 day community service component, and 1 year of mentoring to promote positive growth in 14-15 year olds with low self-efficacy. At baseline, the evaluation included 600 Project K (46 % female) and 577 Control participants (48 % female) and revealed that Project K was effective in improving both social and academic self-efficacy from pre- to post-program with effects being sustained 1 year later. Parents' perceptions of changes in the participants' interpersonal skills supported these findings. Differential program effects were found across participant subgroups, particularly 1 year after program completion. The implications of these differences are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92601, Auckland, 1150, New Zealand. k.deane@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Kelsey L
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1388-1834
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Deane
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Niki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Harré
authors.affiliation: Graeme Dingle Foundation, PO Box 305 474, Triton Plaza, North Shore, 0757, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92601, Auckland, 1150, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Matthew G R
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Courtney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D041923:Adolescent Development; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D009520:New Zealand; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012931:Social Environment; D066107:Social Skills; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Experimental design; Positive youth development; Program evaluation; Randomized controlled trial; Self-efficacy