Extracurricular Participation in Adolescence Supports Pathways to Greater Resilience, Educational Attainment, and Reduced Risky Drinking in Emerging Adults with Childhood Adversity

Adolescent extracurricular participation was significantly associated with greater resilience, which in turn predicted reduced binge drinking and higher educational attainment in emerging adults with childhood adversity. A path model grounded in Positive Youth Development demonstrated moderate fit, supporting resilience as a key mechanism through which extracurriculars yield long-term developmental benefits.