Study Reveals High School Activities Shape Future Altruism

High school students involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to engage in altruistic behaviors later in life, according to a recent study from Rutgers University. The research, published in the journal Youth & Society, indicates that participation in certain activities, particularly volunteer service, fosters compassion more effectively than traditional sports.

The study, led by Chien-Chung Huang, a professor at the Rutgers School of Social Work, draws on data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, which has followed thousands of participants across the United States since 1998. In 2022, over 2,700 respondents provided insights into their high school extracurricular involvement between 2014 and 2018. Remarkably, approximately 87% of these individuals reported engaging in after-school organizations during their high school years.

The research team sought to understand how these activities influenced participants’ altruistic behaviors, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. About 70% of respondents indicated they had engaged in altruistic actions during this time, such as running errands for others, offering childcare, or providing financial support.

Huang and his colleagues employed statistical modeling to analyze the correlation between extracurricular involvement and altruism. The findings highlighted a distinct pattern: students who participated more actively in after-school activities were significantly more inclined to assist others in times of need. Volunteer service emerged as the strongest predictor of altruistic behavior, followed by involvement in school clubs, hobbies, religious services, and performance groups. In contrast, sports, despite being the most popular extracurricular option, ranked last in terms of fostering altruism.

For educators and policymakers, Huang emphasized the implications of these findings. He suggested a reassessment of how sports are integrated into student development. While athletes often excel academically and demonstrate leadership qualities, the competitive nature of sports can detract from opportunities for nurturing compassion.

“Coaches could incorporate volunteering into their sports programs,” Huang proposed. “Perhaps teams could participate in a monthly event where they volunteer at a community center or a retirement home. This approach would not only strengthen team bonds but also introduce an altruistic dimension to their experience.”

Huang clarified that the study does not criticize sports outright but serves as a reminder that all extracurricular activities, including athletics, can be designed to promote caring for others. He asserted that after-school programs play a critical role in equipping youth with the skills needed to respond meaningfully during societal crises.

These findings challenge prevailing notions about the social value of various high school activities. They underscore the importance of fostering environments where compassion and mutual assistance can flourish, benefiting both individuals and communities in times of need.