The International Research on Youth Sport, Physical Activity, and Health (IRYSPAH) lab utilizes sport and physical activity (PA)- based Positive Youth Development (PYD) intervention programs to foster youth life skills, development outcomes, health, and wellbeing. The research focuses on international and cross-cultural dimensions of this line of work to increase access to less-served youth and communities. IRYSPAH projects:
- Effects of Sport-based Positive Youth Development programs on youth life skills and Entrepreneurship
- Collaborative Research on Youth Empowerment and Education: SMART Infrastructure and Mobility Innovations for Resilient Community Health
- Youth Physical Activity and Well-being (YPAW)
- Speech Production and Physical Activity as Predictors of Emotional Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana, and Tanzania. Dr. Leps Malete directs the research lab.
The research lab is directed by Dr. Leps Malete.
Mission
- Utilize sport and physical activity (PA)- based Positive Youth Development (PYD) intervention programs in the United States and Africa to foster youth life skills, various youth development outcomes, health, and overall well-being.
- Test the relevance and application of existing conceptual frameworks with underserved populations and develop context-specific approaches to advance international and cross-cultural research in youth sport and PA
- Increase access to evidence-based programming and research in sport and exercise psychology research for less served youth and communities
- Make a case for the value of youth sport and PA to youth empowerment, health promotion, and livelihoods in Africa
