Flying High or Crashing Down

Abstract

Largely absent from the literature on adolescent girls'extracurricular activities is exploration of the process and effects of vying for entry to extracurricular activities that are competitive and selective. This qualitative study contrasted the immediate and longer term effects of auditioning for two high school extracurricular activities (cheerleading, dance) on 18 girls who won admission and 18 who did not. One-on-one interviews collected immediately and 2 months following the selection decision reflected the significant impact of the decision on personal, social, and school identity. The findings supported the positive effects for those who were successful and illustrated the devastating and extended effects of not being selected on personal, social, and school identity.