Participation in Positive Youth Development Programs and 4-H: Assessing the Impact on Self-Image in Young People

Authors

Karen Bloomquist, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Kathleen Lodl

Date of this Version

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Major: Leadership Education

Under the supervision of Professor Kathleen Lodl

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2010

Comments

Copyright 2010, Karen Bloomquist

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between youth involvement in 4-H and self-image. The study also explored whether there were relations between self-image and development of the 5 C’s (confidence, competence, caring, connection and character) of Positive Youth Development. The study focused specifically on the differences in self-image between youth who participate in 4-H and youth who do not.

Participants included 180 youth from grades eight through twelve in the state of Nebraska. Demographic responses indicated that 47% of respondents were male and 53% were female. Approximately 72% of the respondents were not participants in a 4-H program, while 28% were 4-H participants.

Indices were formed to measure each of the 5 C’s. Three indices were also created in order to measure global self-image and its components, which for the purposes of this study included physical appearance and personality/social acceptance. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and Pearson’s correlations were used to analyze the data.

Results of this study did not indicate a significant relationship between participation in 4-H and self-image. Significant correlations were found between Competence and self-image, and between Caring and self-image, but no other significant correlations were found between the 5 C’s and self-image.

Although this study found no significant direct relationship between participation in 4-H and self-image, the results do indicate a relationship between development of the 5 C’s and self-image in young people. The data suggest that 4-H can still be a useful tool in helping to develop a positive self-image in youth, and that it is important to provide program options which emphasize development of each of the 5 C’s and positive self-image.