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The Contribution of Organized Activity to Cultural Sensitivity and Personal and Social Development: A Structural Equation Model

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Abstract

Past research has demonstrated that cross-cultural contact between members of different ethnicities and races reduces negative stereotypes and improves intergroup relations, which contribute to a sense of cultural sensitivity. From a psychological perspective on cross-cultural contact, cross-cultural encounters may lead to growth experiences. Participation in organized activities may develop a sense of cultural sensitivity as well as personal and social development. Using a survey among college students, this study was conducted utilizing structural equation model to investigate the effect of organized activity involvement on cultural sensitivity and personal growth and social development. The results indicate that organized activity involvement leads to a sense of cultural sensitivity, such as cross-group friendships, intentions of crosscultural contacts and cultural awareness. In addition, participation in organized activities helps facilitate personal (e.g., self-understanding, attitudes and self-discipline) and social development (e.g., social relationship, social adaptations and social resources).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration, College of Education and Human Services, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA

    Junhyoung Kim

  2. Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA

    Jinmoo Heo

  3. Program of Workforce Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    In Heok Lee

  4. Creative Informatics & Computing Institute, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea

    Wonseok Suh

  5. Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Hyangmi Kim

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  1. Junhyoung Kim
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  2. Jinmoo Heo
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  3. In Heok Lee
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  4. Wonseok Suh
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  5. Hyangmi Kim
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Correspondence to Wonseok Suh.

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Kim, J., Heo, J., Lee, I.H. et al. The Contribution of Organized Activity to Cultural Sensitivity and Personal and Social Development: A Structural Equation Model. Soc Indic Res 120, 499–513 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-014-0593-y

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