Mechanisms of Life Skill Development and Life Skill Transfer: Interconnections and Distinctions Among Socially Vulnerable Youth

Objective: To promote development and transfer of life skills, social workers have begun using community sport-based positive youth development (PYD) programs. Research has demonstrated that youths who are socially vulnerable and at risk for behavioral health problems benefit from participation in these programs. However, much remains unknown about the mechanisms that contribute to youths’ capacity to develop life skills and their ability to transfer and apply life skills in other life domains. Method: Thirteen youths who engaged in the study participated in a sport-based PYD program, completed pretest and posttest surveys, entered the program with below-average life skills, and demonstrated growth in life skills pre-to-post program. Using a case study methodology, semistructured interviews explored life skill development, and photo-elicitation interviews explored life skill transfer. Results: Findings revealed specific mechanisms that co-contributed to and uniquely supported life skill development and transfer. For instance, participants explained that program staff framed, facilitated, and debriefed activities to promote the development and transfer of life skills. However, findings revealed that certain learning and transfer contexts—including faith-based organizations and video games—provided unique opportunities for life skill development and transfer. Conclusions: To maximize learning, community sport-based PYD programs should provide activities to develop and transfer life skills, train staff to use facilitative coaching strategies, and collaborate with key social agents (e.g., parents/caregivers, teachers, coaches) in other learning and transfer contexts.