PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF RESILIENCY WITHIN BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions and experiences of adolescents at the Murfreesboro Boys and Girls Club (MGBC), in the context of the agency goals, as they relate to the theory of resiliency. Examining adolescents who are exposed to adversity or challenging issues within their environment will aid in developing a better understanding about today’s youth. Understanding if the Murfreesboro Boys and Girls Club facilitates resiliency for adolescents is a primary goal of this study. A resilience theoretical framework was utilized to identify the interaction of risk and protective factors upon the individual’s development. Rutter (1990) suggested that resiliency could be used to help youth who are exposed to risk achieve a pleasing quality of life, despite their hardships, through protective factors (Garmezy, 1971; Rutter, 1979; Werner & Smith, 1982).

It is anticipated that the development of resiliency manifested through the three aims of MGBC: academic success, leadership and development and healthy lifestyles could promote positive youth behavior. Based on the research question and objectives, a qualitative methodology was selected. Twenty MBGC members were interviewed in this study using focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Findings from the study indicated that the subjects perceive that the club is making a positive impact in the lives of the members. This study provided insights that could assist with the future development of programs and services. Comments and observations suggested that youth who engage in MBGC service projects and programs on a regular basis had improved self-esteem, avoided conflict and made positive connections with peers and leaders.