From Participation to Identity: A Mechanism Based Model of Youth Development through Self Determination Theory in Scouting Contexts
Keywords:
autonomous motivation, identity formation, positive youth development, psychological need satisfaction, self-determination theory, youth developmentAbstract
This article develops a mechanism-based conceptual model explaining how participation in scouting activities contributes to youth identity formation through motivational processes. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, Positive Youth Development, and identity formation literature, the study argues that participation in scouting does not directly produce developmental outcomes, but operates through sequential psychological mechanisms. Specifically, structured scouting participation is theorized to foster psychological need satisfaction, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These fulfilled needs subsequently promote autonomous motivation, which facilitates internalization and supports the integration of scouting experiences, values, and roles into a coherent sense of self. The proposed model positions psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation as central mediating mechanisms, while autonomy supportive environments function as contextual moderators that strengthen developmental pathways. By integrating fragmented literatures on youth development, motivation, and identity, this article advances a process-oriented explanation of how non-formal educational contexts contribute to long-term developmental outcomes. The framework offers theoretical contributions by extending Self-Determination Theory into scouting contexts and practical implications for designing youth programs that support autonomy, competence, relatedness, reflection, and identity development. Future research should empirically test the proposed model using longitudinal and structural equation modeling approaches across diverse cultural settings.
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