The effects of a summer recreational program on the self-concept of disadvantaged children
Date
1976
Authors
Fletcher, Kenneth John
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Abstract
The study was undertaken to determine the effect of a six week summer recreational program on the self concept of disadvantaged children.
The experimental and control groups were composed of 20 males and 20 females of the age range 10-12 in each group. The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale was administered to each group prior to the start of the program. Subjects in the experimental group took part in a recreational program which emphasized a games approach to both physical activities and reading skills. In addition, arts and crafts were ,included as a third component because of the effect they are known to have upon self-concept. The control group did not participate in any form of treatment. At the conclusion of the six week summer program, control and experimental· groups again completed the Piers-Harris Scale.
The statistical analysis of the data was, conducted by a two factor multivariate analysis of variance concerned with the differences between males and females as well as between experimental and control groups. The criteria used were the difference scores obtained from the six pre-test scores which are obtained :from the Piers-Harris Scale.
The major finding of the s:tudy was that the children in the experimental group displayed a significant improvement in self-concept (p = .036). This improvement was attributed mainly to the recreational approach employed in the program which emphasized games, to the fact that there was a 15 minute daily social interaction period between the teacher and his own group of children, and also that the materials which were used were presented in such a manner so as to allow the children to experience success. The data also indicated that there was no significant interaction effect between the two sexes and the experimental condition, nor were there significant differences in mean responses to the Piers-Harris between male and female groups over the control and experimental conditions.
Possible biases and limitations to the study were pointed out, as well as suggestions for continuing research in this area.