Participation in organized leisure activities in adolescence: Current knowledge on the associated predictors, effects, and processes
Participation in organized activities is increasingly considered as a positive developmental context in adolescence (Mahoney, Larson, & Eccles, 2005). However, the adoption of a developmental perspective in the study of organized activities is relatively recent. This article proposes a review of the recent literature on participation in the adolescent years. More specifically, the objective is to present the main definitions of participation, its determinants, its effects on adolescents' psychosocial development, and its associated processes. Conceptual and methodological suggestions for future research are also proposed. Finally, challenges associated with the use of these activities as intervention strategies are discussed.