Engagement of young immigrants: The impact of prosocial and recreational activities

“Even Though We Have Different Colors, We Are All Equal Here”: Immigrants building a sense of community and wellbeing through sport participation

“…Results on immigrant community participation have been found to be similar to those on immigrants who play sports (Fader, 2018; Stone, 2018; Whitley et al, 2016), although with some open concerns. On the one hand, a number of studies underline the positive influence of sport on immigrants' psychological SOC and well‐being (Alfieri et al, 2021; Fader, 2018; Nathan et al, 2013; Stone, 2018; Whitley et al, 2016). On the other hand, other studies report that sport activities entail risks of discrimination and social marginalization of immigrants (Bradbury, 2013; Spaaij, 2012).…”

“…It also helps immigrant to build a life routine, to regain control when facing the migration‐related uncertainties (Hartley et al, 2017) and to create positive relationships (Fader, 2018; Nathan et al, 2013; Stone, 2018; Whitley et al, 2016). For example, Alfieri et al (2021) underlined that those immigrants who participate in sports have higher levels of both subjective well‐being and psychological SOC compared to immigrants who participate in other forms of community activities (e.g., volunteering).…”

“…The literature on social and community psychology has underlined a link between community participation, psychological sense of community (SOC) and subjective well‐being (Mannarini & Fedi, 2009 ; Musick & Wilson, 2003 ; Soukiazis & Ramos, 2016 ; Talò et al, 2014 ). Research with immigrants has found that participation within associations or organized groups has positive effects on subjective well‐being (Alfieri et al, 2019 ; Marzana, Alfieri, et al, 2020 ; Marzana, Martinez‐Damia et al, 2020 ; Taurini et al, 2017 ) via a psychological SOC (Ramos et al, 2017 , 2020 ). Indeed, immigrant participation fosters belonginess (Guo, 2014 ), social capital (Handy & Greenspan, 2009 ) and feelings of acceptance (Sonn & Fisher, 1996 ), thus enhancing immigrant subjective well‐being.…”

“…On the other hand, other studies report that sport activities entail risks of discrimination and social marginalization of immigrants (Bradbury, 2013 ; Spaaij, 2012 ). As a consequence, the role of sport remains controversial and more investigation is needed, especially regarding the specific conditions under which it may effectively promote immigrants' psychological SOC and well‐being (Alfieri et al, 2021 ; D'Angelo et al, 2021 , 2017 ; Whitley et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Qualitative studies have shown that community participation among immigrants improves their bicultural competences, social relationships, ethnic identity and adaptation to the new culture (Handy & Greenspan, 2009 ; Marzana, Martinez‐Damia et al, 2020 ; Taurini et al, 2017 ). Alfieri et al ( 2019 ) reported that immigrants who participate in the community have higher levels of subjective well‐being than those who do not participate. In the present study, we will refer to Prilleltensky's ( 2012 ) conceptualization of well‐being as a multidimensional construct characterized by the simultaneous and balanced satisfaction of needs across six domains: economic, physical, occupational, psychological, community, and interpersonal.…”