A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for adults: informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport

Abstract

BackgroundThe definition of health incorporates the physical, social and mental domains, however the Physical Activity (PA) guidelines do not address social health. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence about the levels or types of PA associated specifically with psychological health. This paper first presents the results of a systematic review of the psychological and social health benefits of participation in sport by adults. Secondly, the information arising from the systematic review has been used to develop a conceptual model of Health through Sport.MethodsA systematic review of 14 electronic databases was conducted in June 2012, and studies published since 1990 were considered for inclusion. Studies that addressed mental and/or social health benefits from participation in sport were included.ResultsA total of 3668 publications were initially identified, of which 11 met the selection criteria. There were many different psychological and social health benefits reported, with the most commonly being wellbeing and reduced distress and stress. Sport may be associated with improved psychosocial health in addition to improvements attributable to participation in PA. Specifically, club-based or team-based sport seems to be associated with improved health outcomes compared to individual activities, due to the social nature of the participation. Notwithstanding this, individuals who prefer to participate in sport by themselves can still derive mental health benefits which can enhance the development of true-self-awareness and personal growth which is essential for social health. A conceptual model, Health through Sport, is proposed. The model depicts the relationship between psychological, psychosocial and social health domains, and their positive associations with sport participation, as reported in the literature. However, it is acknowledged that the capacity to determine the existence and direction of causal links between participation and health is limited by the cross-sectional nature of studies to date.ConclusionIt is recommended that participation in sport is advocated as a form of leisure-time PA for adults which can produce a range of health benefits. It is also recommended that the causal link between participation in sport and psycho-social health be further investigated and the conceptual model of Health through Sport tested.

Association Between Participating in Noncompetitive or Competitive Sports and Mental Health among Adolescents – a Norwegian Population-based Cross-sectional Study

“…Other studies have suggested that sports participation could give adolescents an enhanced sense of mastery, which in turn could increase their self-esteem (8,12,30,31). A heightened feeling of belonging to an extended group, which goes beyond simply increasing the number of friends one has, has also been suggested as a contributing factor (8,12).…”

“…Research showing a positive effect of physical activity on mental health among adolescents is well documented (4)(5)(6)(7)(8). A study conducted in Iceland revealed that adolescents who often practiced sports had a more positive body image and were more likely to report a healthy mental condition (9).…”

Exploring the wicked problem of athlete and consumer vulnerability in sport

“…As Shank (2009, p.7) notes, "sport has become one of the most important and universal institutions in our society", linking together industries, governments and consumers in mutually-beneficial, increasingly visible and highly valuable ways. These range from sport's mediating role as an avenue for social justice and facilitator of health through participation, right through to its attractive qualities for brand alignment and mass communication (Eime et al, 2013;Widdop et al, 2016 (Hutchins and Rowe, 2012;Milne, 2016). These platforms, from established analogue players to new digital operators, see their audiences as networks of brands and consumers that can be parlayed together when an attractive product such as sport is on offer.…”

“…Participation is associated with positive health outcomes and the development of aspirational qualities such as team work, leadership, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence (Eime et al, 2013;Holt et al, 2009). …”

Efectos de la satisfacción y frustración de las necesidades psicológicas básicas sobre las formas de pasión por el ejercicio

“…La literatura científica ofrece un conjunto de evidencias que sustentan el carácter potencialmente saludable de la práctica regular de ejercicio físico (Eime, Young, Harvey, Charity, y Payne, 2013;Hötting y Röder, 2013). No obstante, la investigación también ha mostrado que el ejercicio físico puede contribuir a la aparición de consecuencias menos deseables cuando éste se realiza de una forma obsesiva y repetitiva (Paradis, Cooke, Martin, y Hall, 2013).…”