Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Through Youth Activity Participation: Lessons from Research

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to explain how movement activity settings can contribute to young people's positive youth development (PYD) and continued participation in these types of activities throughout their lives. In the final section of the chapter, we highlight specific ways in which practitioners and policy makers can use these research findings to support young people's participation in movement activities that promote PYD and sustained participation across the life span. A considerable number of adolescents participate in movement activities, and important links exist between positive experiences in these activities and positive youth development (including the promotion of healthy lifestyles). In light of these findings, it is critical that youth-serving programs and policies be informed by research, in order to maximize the likelihood of positive and healthy functioning among participants. To accomplish this goal, we have outlined research findings and suggested priorities for evidence based changes in youth programs and the policies that are made by and for movement activity organizations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)