This thesis explored the connection between rural youth health/wellbeing and after-school programs as perceived by adult after-school program staff and affiliated community members. For this qualitative case study, purposive sampling was used to recruit eighteen key informants who participated in individual semi-structured interviews and one validation focus group. Informants described health and wellbeing in relation to youth as including three integrated dimensions – mental health, physical health, and having resources and supports. Three intervening factors connected attendance at the program with health and wellbeing – the eclectic mix of activities, relationships and connections, and having a designated “place for youth”. Positive health/wellbeing outcomes included reduced stress, staying positive, feeling accepted, engaging in physical activity, learning to have goals, building skills, making healthy choices, and reducing the need for risk-taking behaviours. These results can inform future impact evaluations addressing youth health/wellbeing and guide program planning decisions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OGU.10214/5138 |
| Date | 02 January 2013 |
| Creators | Cross, Heather |
| Contributors | Lauzon, Allan |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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