Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Colleen Loomis

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

Youth often feel powerless and alienated in their communities and have expressed that they are not seen as contributing citizens. This study investigates the relation between sense of community and participation of youth aged 12-15 residing in a disadvantaged Atlantic Canadian community. The research design is a one-group, pre/post-test survey, and an intervention. The intervention is the formation of a youth action committee (YAC) from a self-selected stratified sample (N=36) drawn from randomly selected classrooms within three schools. The YAC worked collectively on a number of issues in their community using an action model. Results highlight the concerns and outcomes of youth working at the community level as well as what youth need to participate more fully.

Convocation Year

2006

Convocation Season

Fall

Included in

Psychology Commons

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