Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2009

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences

Abstract

The decisions adolescents make about time use may be related to their real or perceived stressors. Looking more in-depth at adolescent time use, including activities, their stressors, stress levels, and sex may provide youth development professionals a better understanding of adolescents. This study looked at 81 rural South Dakota high school juniors and seniors. Twenty-four hour previous day time dairies and stress ratings were used to obtain data. Results showed students are most stressed about school, parents, and the future. In most cases youth generally spent 1/3 of the day in school and 1/3 sleeping leaving 1/3 for discretionary time use. Youth who did not participate in structured activities were more likely to report employment than youth who did participate in structured activities. Implications for youth professionals and further research related to adolescent time use, stressors, and the role sex plays in adolescent life are discussed. Creative programming, such as partnering with other youth organizations and schools can lead to new scheduling opportunities. Advanced technology allows for new ways to accomplish tasks, which adults will have to embrace when working with adolescents. Inventive programming will be the future of working with the adolescent age group.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Rural youth -- Time management -- South Dakota Stress in youth -- South Dakota Youth development Student activities

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

77

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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