Sport, adventure, and outdoor programming for prevention and coaching play a vital role in positive youth development by fostering essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
These programs provide engaging environments where young people can develop confidence and a sense of belonging while participating in physical activities and challenges. By emphasizing personal growth and social connections, they empower youth to make healthier life choices and cultivate a positive self-identity.
Publications
Stiehl Figueroa, I., Rose, G., & Aytur, S. (2025). The role of nature in Positive Youth Development. In Environmental and planetary health: A competencies and frameworks approach. [Springer].
Blum, C., Tucker, A. R., Levran, M., Holmes, L., & Walsh, H. (2024). Positive youth development at sea: The Shenandoah Model. Journal of Experiential Education. https://doi.org/ 10.1177/10538259241275051 Advanced Online Publication.
Newman, T., Santos, F., Pierce, S., Collins, K., Barcelona, R., & Mercier, V. (2024). Scholars’ perspectives of positive youth development in coach education for high school sports. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 29(2), 206-220 http://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2022.2039616
Newman, T., Okamoto, K., Beasley, L., Kimiecik, C., Lee, L., Shute, L., Tarr, C., Magier, E., & Tucker, A. (2024). Sport social work: Unique opportunities, benefits, and barriers. Sport Social Work Journal, 5(1), 35-52. https://openjournals.bsu.edu/sportsocialworkjournal/article/view/4421/2341
John, D., Andress, L., Aytur, S., Dodge, T., Gustat, J., Schuchardt-Vogt, C., & Lee, R. E. (2023). Scoping conceptions of equity: Reviewing a decade of physical activity research. Journal of Healthy Eating and Active Living, 3(1), 7-18. https://doi.org/10.51250/jheal.v3i1.60
Magier, E., Newman, T., Okamoto, K., Kimiecik, C., Shute, L., Beasley, L., & Tucker, A (2023). Understanding the needs of social workers in sport settings: Opportunities for specialized education and training. Journal of Social Work Education, 59(2), 331-345. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2021.2019641
Tarr, C., Newman, T., Santos, F., & Turgeon, S. (2023). The duality of sport social workers coaching critical positive youth development within competitive youth sport. International Sport Coaching Journal, 11(1), 124-135. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2022-0080
Newman, T., Magier, E., Okamoto, K., Kimiecik, C., Shute, L., Beasley, L., & Tucker, A. (2022). Social workers in sport: Social workers as playmakers in the athletic arena. Sport Social Work Journal, 1, 35-52. https://doi.org/10.33043/SSWJ.1.1.35-52
Santos, F., Newman, T. J., Aytur, S. A., & Farias, C. (2022). Aligning physical literacy with critical positive youth development and student-centered pedagogy: Implications for today's youth. Frontier Sports and Act Living, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.845827
Winn, S., Grenier, M., & Newman, T. (2022). Utilizing the framework of life skills development to promote social-emotional learning in elementary physical education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 93(6), 42-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2022.2081269
Camiré, M., Newman, T., Bean, C., & Strachan, L. (2021). Reimagining positive youth development and life skills through a social justice lens. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 34(6), 1058-1076. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2021.1958954
Lower-Hoppe, L., Anderson-Butcher, D., Newman, T., & Logan, J. (2021). The influence of peers on life skill development in a sport-based positive youth development program. Journal of Sport for Development, 9(2), 69-85. https://jsfd.org/2021/11/01/the-influence-of-peers-on-lifeskill-development-and-transfer-in-a-sport-based-positive-youth-development-program/
Craig, P. J., Barcelona, B., Aytur, S., Amato, J., & Young, S. J. (2019). Using inclusive sport for social change in Malawi, Africa. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 53(3), 244-263. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2019-V53-I3-9720
Aytur, S. A., Craig, P., Frye M., Bonica, M., Rainer, S., Hapke, L., & McGilvray, M. (2018). Through the lens of a camera: Exploring the meaning of competitive sport participation among youth athletes with disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 52(2), 95-125. https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2018-V52-I2-8774
Newman, T., Kim, M., Tucker, A., & Alvarez, A. (2018). Learning through the adventure of youth sport. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 23(3), 280-293. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2017.1413708
Newman, T., Kim, M., & Alvarez, A., & Tucker, A. (2018). Facilitative coaching: A guide for youth sport leaders. Leisure/Loiser, 42(2), 129-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2017.1415165
Norton, C. L., Watt, T., & Penn, A. (2014). Exploring the impact of a wilderness-based positive youth development program for urban youth. Journal of Experiential Education, 37(4), 335-350. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825913503113
Tucker, A. R., Sugerman, D., & Zelov, R. (2013). On Belay: Providing connection, support andempowerment to children whose parents have cancer. Journal of Experiential Education, 36(2), 93-105. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825913487889
