Research Study of Cyclebreaker Program for Rural Youth to Reduce Disadvantage
Cyclebreaker is a program of social, recreational and sporting activities developed by the Armidale Youth Refuge for young people who have been referred to the Refuge by the NSW Community Service as being in need of support. Reports of such programs for young people at risk (see literature below) indicate that sport and recreational activities can have many direct and indirect effects, such as: improvement of cognitive skills; reduction of boredom; reduction of misuse of substances; enhancement of emotional stability and energy; control of tension; delay gratification and tolerance of discomfort; and reduction of anti-social and delinquent behaviour among young people.
The aim of this study is to provide research-based information on the perceived value of the Cyclebreaker program by the participants, the young people and the Youth Workers involved.
Their perceptions will be investigated via focus group interviews, employing semi-structured and open-ended style of questions, with groups of 5-6 participants at a time. Focus groups allow the exploration of different responses on the value of the activities, and the interaction among the participants can enable them to clarify or qualify their responses. Open-ended questions can identify unanticipated responses and perspectives. The focus group discussion will be recorded, transcribed and then analysed by the researcher.
It is anticipated that the study will benefit the further development or the improvement of the program. The development of the program involves the time and effort of several Youth Workers who also have other responsibilities. Thus it is also in the interest of the Refuge and of the Youth Workers to have feedback from the participants on the program's value and its possible improvement. It is also of interest to the Armidale Youth Refuge to project itself as an organisation whose practices are sound and validated by research.
The study involves a partnership with the Armidale Youth Refuge and is funded by the Faculty, as part of the Dean's Rural Resurgence Initiative.
Literature reviewed
Collingwood T. 1972, 'The effect of physical training upon behavior and self attitudes', Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 71-75.
Collingwood, T.R., Reynolds, R., Jester, B. & Debord, D. 1992, 'Enlisting physical education for the war on drugs', Journal of Physical Education and Research Development, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 25-28.
Duncan, S., Strycker, L., Chaumeton, N. 2002, 'Relations between youth antisocial and prosocial activities' Journal of Behavioral Medicine, vol. 25, no. 5, October 2002, pp. 425-438.
Elite, D., Turner, R., Eitle, T. 2003, 'The detterence hypothesis re-examined: sports participation and substance use among young adults', Journal of Drug Issues, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 193.
Morris, L., Sallybanks, J., Willis, K. 2003, 'Sport, Physical Activity and Antisocial Behaviour in Youth', Australian Institute of Criminology Research and Public Policy Series No. 49.
Sandford, R., Duncombe, R., Armour, K. 2008, 'The role of physical activity/sport in tackling youth disaffection and anti-social behavior', Educational Review, vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 419 - 435.
For more information please contact Dr Izabel Soliman: isoliman@une.edu.au