The significance of extracurricular activities in the life of junior high school students.

Accession number;01A0695571
Title;The significance of extracurricular activities in the life of junior high school students.
Author; SUMIYA SHIORI (Ochanomizu Univ.) MUTO TAKASHI (Ochanomizu Univ.)
Journal Title;Japanese Journal of Psychology
Journal Code:Z0768A
ISSN:0021-5236
VOL.72;NO.2;PAGE.79-86(2001)
Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.2, TBL.3, REF.20
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;Japanese
Abstract;In this study, the significance of extracurricular activities in the life of junior high school students was examined. Seventh and eighth graders participated in a two-stage questionnaire survey, administered in May and October. Based on developmental stage-environment fit theory (Eccles, Wigfield, & Schiefele, 1998). how well extracurricular activity settings fit needs of the students was analyzed. In support of the theory's hypothesis, results indicated that whether an extracurricular activity satisfied the student's developmental needs affected his/her sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in school life. In addition, the effect of seventh graders' commitment to extracurricular activities on their satisfaction of school life was stronger in October than in May. The findings suggested that for students who felt uneasy in class for whatever reasons, extracurricular activities provided an opportunity for relief. (author abst.)
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