How community sport programs may improve the health of vulnerable population groups: a program theory.
TL;DR: The health promoting effect of community sport on socially vulnerable groups seems not to result from an improved physical condition or sport-technical skills as such, but from processes of experiential learning among peers, incremental responsibility-taking and reflexivity.
Abstract: Groups at risk of exclusion from society appear to have a lower health status and more health-related problems. Prevention efforts in these groups are not always successful, and new ways have to be sought by which health messages can be delivered. Many agree on low-threshold sport activities, also called ‘community sports’, to be a powerful tool to target socially vulnerable groups. Until now, it has not been investigated how and when such sport initiatives may be able to impact health outcomes in socially vulnerable populations. This study aims at developing a program theory that clarifies the mechanisms and necessary conditions for sport programs to be effective in health promotion. Such a program theory may constitute a backbone for developing health promotion initiatives within a sport for development setting. We developed a program theory using a realist research design. We build on an extensive data set consisting of the insights of key stakeholders and participants of various community sport organizations at the one hand, and on relevant theoretical frameworks at the other hand. Data were collected through participatory observations of soccer trainings and related group activities, interviews with key stakeholders and participants, document analysis and two focus groups with stakeholders from associated social partnership organizations. The health promoting effect of community sport on socially vulnerable groups seems not to result from an improved physical condition or sport-technical skills as such, but from processes of experiential learning among peers, incremental responsibility-taking and reflexivity. On the condition that participants feel safe, are stimulated to reflect and enabled to become actor of themselves and their situation, these processes are likely to lead to increased self-esteem, self-efficacy and motivation to set and pursue personal (health) goals. The key-influencing factor in these processes is the coach, who therefore needs to be adequately skilled in, for example, social vulnerability, motivational coaching and group dynamics. The program theory developed in this study offers insights in the mechanisms proper to, and necessary conditions for community sport to be a lever for health promotion in socially vulnerable groups. Motivational processes at individual level and group connectivity are at the basis of personal health goal-setting. One of the necessary conditions is that these processes are guided by community sport coaches skilled in the meaning and impact of social exclusion, and capable of connecting with the target group.
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TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors investigated the population of different social capital and regions through the Internet and uses an ologist to perform regression analysis to understand the audience characteristics of Chinese sports programs.
Abstract: Despite the swift growth of China’s sports programs, the sports audience in China vary markedly in terms of social class and urban types. Thus, understanding the audience characteristics of Chinese sports programs is of utmost socioeconomic significance for the development of sports programs. This study aims to investigate the population of different social capital and regions through the Internet and uses an ologist to perform regression analysis. People with different social capital exhibited significant differences in the love of sports programs, with significant social divisions. In addition, the differences in the groups’ love for sports programs in different regions were significant, suggesting field differences among the audiences of Chinese sports programs. Besides, we found that although sports programs are a type of public social resources, the Chinese audience’s preference for sports programs is affected by social capital and regional differences. In general, this study is helpful for the government and the media to formulate targeted sports planning policies, further promoting the development of sports and promoting the improvement of business model under industry 4.0.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, sport-for-development (SfD) requires the intentional use of sport as a tool to realize developmental goals in complex contexts, and there is a need for reflexive SfD coaches who can successf...
Abstract: Given that sport-for-development (SfD) requires the intentional use of sport as a tool to realize developmental goals in complex contexts, there is a need for reflexive SfD coaches who can successf...
5 citations
Cites background from "How community sport programs may im..."
..., as such creating a sense of psychological safety in the participants (Van der Veken et al., 2020a, 2020b)....
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...Case C is about a single SfD practice, KAA Gent Foundation, aiming to improve the employability of socially vulnerable individuals via a process of personal development generated by social-sportive activities in which participants gradually take more engagement (Van der Veken et al., 2020b)....
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...Case A contained multiple units of analyses, including three local ‘football-for-development’ teams (located in three Belgian cities of different sizes), their stakeholders (public social services, youth services, NGOs,) and partnering SfD initiatives (Van der Veken et al., 2020a)....
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TL;DR: A process in which the development of the ‘right mind-set,’ engagement and bonds of trust, in combination with the right settings are key elements for SFD coaches to learn how to convey health-promoting messages and take responsibility as role models for at-risk youth is presented.
Abstract: Unequal access to health promotion resources and early prevention services is a major determinant of health inequity among youth. Initiatives that improve the access to and adoption of health promotion messages are important undertakings, e.g., sport. Sport-for-development (SFD) programs are seen as valuable delivery tools, in which coaches are used as change agents to increase health awareness and behavior among at-risk youth. The delivery of such messages requires specific knowledge and skills that can be attained through training; however, the effectiveness of such training requires assessment. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of such a training program for SFD coaches using process evaluation from a realist perspective, and views from multiple stakeholders, among other sources. We also clarified the inner workings of the training and investigated how context shaped the training outcomes. Increased health awareness and a sense of responsibility from acting as a role model for at-risk youth were among the perceived training outcomes. Building a safe environment for learning, engagement, and bonds of trust increased the confidence to learn, and resulted in a sense of critical self-reflection and self-development of SFD coaches towards health and prevention messages. Importantly, the unique situations (or context) of SFD coaches and SFD in general presented challenging variables, e.g., a precarious life history or living conditions, mental health issues, or low educational skills, that hampered the impact of the mechanisms put in place by the training. Here, we present a process in which the development of the 'right mind-set,' engagement and bonds of trust, in combination with the right settings are key elements for SFD coaches to learn how to convey health-promoting messages and take responsibility as role models for at-risk youth.
5 citations
Cites background from "How community sport programs may im..."
...This theory has been further tested and refined in other SFD contexts [35]....
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...One of the key change mechanisms of improved health among at-risk youth using sports as a lever is their observation and learning through what is respected by others and in particular with regards to what the coaches are doing [34, 35]....
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...These results are described elsewhere [34, 35], and a training program was developed for community coaches based on the insights of the program theory [31]....
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TL;DR: CHWs are a crucial public health outreach strategy for PCP and complement and enhance trust-building by primary care professionals and patients and future research should assess whether these findings also apply to a non-covid context.
Abstract: (1) Background: Community health workers (CHWs) are an essential public health workforce defined by their trustful relationships with vulnerable citizens. However, how trustful relationships are built remains unclear. This study aimed to understand how and under which circumstances CHWs are likely to build trust with their vulnerable clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: We developed a program theory using a realist research design. Data were collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews with CHWs and their clients. Using a grounded theory approach, we aimed to unravel mechanisms and contextual factors that determine the trust in a CHW program offering psychosocial support to vulnerable citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. (3) Results: The trustful relationship between CHWs and their clients is rooted in three mental models: recognition, equality, and reciprocity. Five contextual factors (adopting a client-centered attitude, coordination, temporariness, and link with primary care practice (PCP)) enable the program mechanisms to work. (4) Conclusions: CHWs are a crucial public health outreach strategy for PCP and complement and enhance trust-building by primary care professionals. In the process of building trustful relationships between CHWs and clients, different mechanisms and contextual factors play a role in the trustful relationship between primary care professionals and patients. Future research should assess whether these findings also apply to a non-covid context, to the involvement of CHWs in other facets of primary healthcare (e.g., prevention campaigns, etc.), and to a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) setting. Furthermore, implementation research should elaborate on the integration of CHWs in PCP to support CHWs in developing the mental models leading to build trust with vulnerable citizens and to establish the required conditions.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article , a constructivist grounded theory of COVID-19-imposed constraints on sport and recreation programs, their adverse impacts on socially vulnerable youth, adopted negotiation strategies, and consequent silver lining opportunities for programs to help vulnerable youth and struggling communities were analyzed at the intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural levels.
Abstract: COVID-19 ravaged the delivery of sport and recreation programs and services to socially vulnerable youth. Based on the in-depth interviews with nine practitioners/volunteers working with socially vulnerable youth in Little Village, Chicago, Illinois, and their 12 youth (14–16 years old) program participants (N = 21), this study offers a constructivist grounded theory of COVID-19-imposed constraints on sport and recreation programs, their adverse impacts on socially vulnerable youth, adopted negotiation strategies, and consequent silver lining opportunities for programs to help socially vulnerable youth and struggling communities. COVID-19-imposed constraints and their effects on socially vulnerable youth were analyzed at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural levels. Programs’ negotiation strategies included moving to virtual and home programming, switching from indoor to outdoor activities focusing on civic responsibility, and adopting COVID-19 safety/prevention protocols. Learned lessons and unexpected opportunities amid adversity contribute to knowledge, practice, and advocacy efforts focusing on socially vulnerable youth and disadvantaged communities. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Leisure Sciences is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
4 citations
References
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Book•
12 Oct 2017
TL;DR: The Discovery of Grounded Theory as mentioned in this paper is a book about the discovery of grounded theories from data, both substantive and formal, which is a major task confronting sociologists and is understandable to both experts and laymen.
Abstract: Most writing on sociological method has been concerned with how accurate facts can be obtained and how theory can thereby be more rigorously tested. In The Discovery of Grounded Theory, Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss address the equally Important enterprise of how the discovery of theory from data--systematically obtained and analyzed in social research--can be furthered. The discovery of theory from data--grounded theory--is a major task confronting sociology, for such a theory fits empirical situations, and is understandable to sociologists and laymen alike. Most important, it provides relevant predictions, explanations, interpretations, and applications. In Part I of the book, "Generation Theory by Comparative Analysis," the authors present a strategy whereby sociologists can facilitate the discovery of grounded theory, both substantive and formal. This strategy involves the systematic choice and study of several comparison groups. In Part II, The Flexible Use of Data," the generation of theory from qualitative, especially documentary, and quantitative data Is considered. In Part III, "Implications of Grounded Theory," Glaser and Strauss examine the credibility of grounded theory. The Discovery of Grounded Theory is directed toward improving social scientists' capacity for generating theory that will be relevant to their research. While aimed primarily at sociologists, it will be useful to anyone Interested In studying social phenomena--political, educational, economic, industrial-- especially If their studies are based on qualitative data.
53,267 citations
"How community sport programs may im..." refers methods in this paper
...More concretely, we used steps from the classical grounded theory approach (GTA) to build theory from case studies in an overall realist inquiry study design [26, 31, 32]....
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44,847 citations
01 Feb 2009
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the process of inducting theory using case studies from specifying the research questions to reaching closure, which is a process similar to hypothesis-testing research.
Abstract: Building Theories From Case Study Research - This paper describes the process of inducting theory using case studies from specifying the research questions to reaching closure. Some features of the process, such as problem definition and construct validation, are similar to hypothesis-testing research. Others, such as within-case analysis and replication logic, are unique to the inductive, case-oriented process. Overall, the process described here is highly iterative and tightly linked to data. This research approach is especially appropriate in new topic areas. The resultant theory is often novel, testable, and empirically valid. Finally, framebreaking insights, the tests of good theory (e.g., parsimony, logical coherence), and convincing grounding in the evidence are the key criteria for evaluating this type of research.
40,005 citations
TL;DR: Research guided by self-determination theory has focused on the social-contextual conditions that facilitate versus forestall the natural processes of self-motivation and healthy psychological development, leading to the postulate of three innate psychological needs--competence, autonomy, and relatedness.
Abstract: Human beings can be proactive and engaged or, alternatively, passive and alienated, largely as a function of the social conditions in which they develop and function. Accordingly, research guided by self-determination theo~ has focused on the social-contextual conditions that facilitate versus forestall the natural processes of self-motivation and healthy psychological development. Specifically, factors have been examined that enhance versus undermine intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and well-being. The findings have led to the postulate of three innate psychological needs--competence, autonomy, and relatednesswhich when satisfied yield enhanced self-motivation and mental health and when thwarted lead to diminished motivation and well-being. Also considered is the significance of these psychological needs and processes within domains such as health care, education, work, sport, religion, and psychotherapy. T he fullest representations of humanity show people to be curious, vital, and self-motivated. At their best, they are agentic and inspired, striving to learn; extend themselves; master new skills; and apply their talents responsibly. That most people show considerable effort, agency, and commitment in their lives appears, in fact, to be more normative than exceptional, suggesting some very positive and persistent features of human nature. Yet, it is also clear that the human spirit can be diminished or crushed and that individuals sometimes reject growth and responsibility. Regardless of social strata or cultural origin, examples of both children and adults who are apathetic, alienated, and irresponsible are abundant. Such non-optimal human functioning can be observed not only in our psychological clinics but also among the millions who, for hours a day, sit passively before their televisions, stare blankly from the back of their classrooms, or wait listlessly for the weekend as they go about their jobs. The persistent, proactive, and positive tendencies of human nature are clearly not invariantly apparent. The fact that human nature, phenotypically expressed, can be either active or passive, constructive or indolent, suggests more than mere dispositional differences and is a function of more than just biological endowments. It also bespeaks a wide range of reactions to social environments that is worthy of our most intense scientific investigation. Specifically, social contexts catalyze both within- and between-person differences in motivation and personal growth, resulting in people being more self-motivated, energized, and integrated in some situations, domains, and cultures than in others. Research on the conditions that foster versus undermine positive human potentials has both theoretical import and practical significance because it can contribute not only to formal knowledge of the causes of human behavior but also to the design of social environments that optimize people's development, performance, and well-being. Research guided by self-determination theory (SDT) has had an ongoing concern with precisely these
29,115 citations
"How community sport programs may im..." refers background in this paper
...theory [41] and in the social cognitive theory [54]....
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...the social cognitive theory and the self-determination theory [40, 41]....
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...planned behavior [55], the social cognitive theory [40] and the self-determination theory [41] have been useful in explaining the associations between the sensitizing concepts and the links between C, M and O in our program theory, when not integrated in a more contextualized approach, they fall short in the attention for pathways by which social environmental phenomena affect cognitive and biologic regulatory processes [56]....
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the uses of literature and open coding techniques for enhancing theoretical sensitivity of theoretical studies, and give guidelines for judging a grounded theory study.
Abstract: Introduction Getting Started Theoretical Sensitivity The Uses of Literature Open Coding Techniques for Enhancing Theoretical Sensitivity Axial Coding Selective Coding Process The Conditional Matrix Theoretical Sampling Memos and Diagrams Writing Theses and Monographs, and Giving Talks about Your Research Criteria for Judging a Grounded Theory Study
28,999 citations
"How community sport programs may im..." refers methods in this paper
...More concretely, we used steps from the classical grounded theory approach (GTA) to build theory from case studies in an overall realist inquiry study design [26, 31, 32]....
[...]