Development of a Physical Activity Program for Delinquent Out-of-School-Youth: Intervention for Violence

This study aimed mainly at developing the first ever research-based anti youth violence program in Mati City, specifically designed for the target out-of-school-youth group. The descriptive-correlational method of study was utilized to explore the possibilities of having physical activity as an intervention for violence among out-of-school-youth. Data were gathered from 35 out-of-school-youth of Barangay Central, Mati City Davao Oriental, aging from 13-21 years old and who have already incurred a criminal record. The results of this study showed that almost half of the youth with criminal records are minors. The respondents manifested that basketball is the most popular Physical Activity followed by card games and hip hop dance. It is worth taking note of that all dance activities are participated. Furthermore, results revealed that Team sports, have a potential negative correlation to violence which means as the activity increases, violence decreases. Physical activities that will potentially reduce physical aggression are the following: Basketball (r=-0.037; volleyball (r=-0.021); Cheerdance (r=-0.093); and card games (r=-0.006). Individual sports participation showed the highest effect on violence, followed by the socio economic status. Hence, it was highly recommended that the developed program be anchored on physical activities with negative correlation towards violence such as basketball, hip-hop, and cheer dance, and that the developed program is implemented. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n9p56