Self-Efficacy and Occupational Valence Levels of Youth Workers in Leisure Services

Christopher L. Kowalski ； Sara Rockow ； Kong Chen ； Anthony Smothers

《International Leisure Review》 3卷2期 (2014/12) Pp. 231-247

https://doi.org/10.6298/ILR.2014.3.11

並列摘要

Self-efficacy levels of youth workers in the leisure services setting can significantly impact the work done with youth. These levels may be impacted by the occupational valence, or the perceived extent to which a job offers opportunities to satisfy individual work needs. To date, limited research exists looking at youth work efficacy levels, and no research studies exist analyzing the relationship between youth workers' efficacy levels and occupational valence. The purpose of the current study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and occupational valence levels of youth workers in the leisure, youth and human services setting. A total of 198 surveys were completed by youth development professionals who attended a Midwestern state annual youth development conference. Results indicated that the three indices associated with youth work efficacy-theory efficacy, professional values efficacy, and applied skills efficacy-were significantly related to occupational valence. The data collected in this study is important to enhancing the body of knowledge regarding selfefficacy levels of youth workers in a leisure services setting, as well as understanding motivation and confidence of youth development professionals.

並列關鍵字

youth work efficacy ； occupational valence ； leisure services