Together We Move: Exploring Belonging, Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Motivational Factors in a Socially Structured University Physical Activity Program

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental life stage for individuals to establish healthy behaviors that enhance wellbeing, including quality relationships and physical activity (PA) engagement. Institutions of higher education are positioned to influence and support the development of these developmental tasks in emerging adults enrolled on their respective campuses. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore experiences of belonging, basic psychological need satisfaction (BNS) in PAbased social relationships, and motives to participate in a socially structured PA program among emerging adults on a university campus. Participants: University students who participated in the Fitness Buddies (FB) program (n=10), along with student interns and volunteers that served as program peer session leaders (n=7) over one academic semester. Participants (N=17) ranged in age from 18-31 years (M=23.29, SD= 4.33). Measures: MPAM-R, BNSR, situational affect emoji check-ins/check-outs, narrative interviews and programmatic data. Results: The majority of participants signed up for the program to improve their health and fitness, and that remained the primary motive of the majority of participants at the conclusion of the semester, along with competence and enjoyment. A positive PA session effect was demonstrated in the sample’s cumulative reduction of stress, anxiety and tiredness, and increase in happiness, confidence, energy, and social connection. Narratives themes from the paired interview data illuminated the ways the FB program provided participants access to support and resources to experience BNS through FB relationships, while also, anecdotally, improving their situational affect, selfconfidence, motivation to be consistently physically active, overall mental health, and engagement with academic coursework. Narrative themes also included experiences of true belonging through an environment that supported trust building practices of reliability, non-judgment and generosity. Peed-led, socially structured PA programs on university campuses appear to improve health and wellbeing and support healthy development of emerging adults. The positive experiences of FB participants offer a useful model for ways in which the benefits of social connection through PA could be translated outside of the traditional fitness and recreation center and be brought into spaces like higher education classrooms, to create supportive, active, and healthier learning communities. Programs on college and university campuses that foster belonging and psychological wellbeing, have powerful potential to be a driving force for changing the health and wellbeing of not only the current, but also the next generation of emerging adults

A pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of a computer-based gaming strategy in educating school-age children about vehicle safety

Road-related crashes are a serious public health issue that continue to kill and injure thousands of children and young adults every year (World Health Organization, 2007). Elevated fatality and injury rates coupled with the low rates of booster seat use among 4- to 8-year old children illustrate the critical need for strategies to improve the rate of booster seat use in this population. The increasing popularity of gaming among children offers an opportunity to use computer games to teach injury prevention to this age group. This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a computer-based gaming strategy for educating school-aged children about strategies to stay safe in vehicles. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were administered to inner-city preschool and elementary students between the ages of 4 and 11 years at the St. Alban\u27s Boys\u27 and Girls\u27 Club in Toronto, Ontario. Changes in children\u27s perceptions about booster seat safety, and their preferences for booster seats were investigated after playing the Booster Buddies Clek Adventure Game. Databases embedded into the game served to evaluate children\u27s performance within the game, their preferences for booster seat styles and their knowledge about correct booster seat use and safe conduct while travelling in a vehicle. This study also examined the utility of gaming software in educating children about safety seat practices, as well as children\u27s attitude towards this type of educative tool

The Octofoil, September/October 1966

The Octofoil is the offical publication of the Ninth Infantry Division Association, Inc., an organization formed by the officers and men of the 9th Infantry Division in order to perpetuate the memory of fallen comrades, preserve the esprit de corps of the Division, promote peace and serve as an information bureau about the 9th Infantry Division. The Association is made up of 9th Infantry veterans from WWII and Vietnam, spouses, widows and lineal descendants

STRUGGLING STUDENTS BECOME SUCCESSFUL ART MENTORS: A MIXED METHOD MULTI-CASE STUDY

In the era of high stakes testing and teacher accountability, schools in the US continue the fight to prevent high school drop-outs and meet the needs of academically struggling students. Both the visual arts and mentoring programs have been shown to improve academic performance and emotional well-being. This study examined the impact of an art mentoring program on academically struggling high school students who became art mentors to elementary students. It considered the impact being an art mentor would have on academic success, delinquent behavior, and self-concept. Results suggest a positive relationship between being an art mentor and academic performance as defined through a .5 average positive increase in GPA and positive changes noted by classroom teachers. Results did not reveal a significant change in delinquent behavior or self-concept and suggest the need for further research in those areas

Suffolk Journal, vol. 74, no. 19, 3/5/2014

https://dc.suffolk.edu/journal/1580/thumbnail.jp

Spartan Daily, November 11, 1998

Volume 111, Issue 52https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9340/thumbnail.jp