"Winners" and "losers" The effects of being allowed or denied entry into competitive extracurricular activities

Abstract

A number of high school extracurricular activities are competitive and selective, requiring aspiring students to apply and audition for membership. The process of trying out for two such teams, cheerleading and dance, was explored, and the reactions of girls who were successful were contrasted with those who were unsuccessful. Post-outcome assessments indicated significant differences in measures of subjective state (positive and negative emotions, arousal, investment), classroom performance (attentiveness, grades), attendance/truancy, and feelings about self and about school between girls who made the team and those who did not. Of the variables examined, only drug and alcohol use did not appear to be affected. Data collected at eight intervals demonstrated the longer-lasting negative effects of being denied entry to the team over a two-month time span. Copyright 2007 National Recreation and Park Association.