Review: A systematic review of the impact of physical activity programmes on social and emotional well‐being in at‐risk youth

Abstract

Background: Physical activity programmes have been identified as a potential strategy for improving social and emotional well-being in at-risk youth, who have a prevalence of depression and low self-esteem exceeding the general population. Methods: A systematic search of six electronic databases (EMBASE, OVID MEDLINE, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus) was conducted to identify physical activity programmes designed to improve social and emotional well-being in at-risk youth. Results: The search identified 15 studies, which reported the effects of three types of physical activity programmes (i.e. outdoor adventure, sport and skill-based and physical fitness programmes) on social and emotional well-being. While many of the interventions resulted in significant positive effects, the risk of bias was high in all of the included studies. Conclusion: Due to the mixed findings and the high risk of bias, it is difficult to determine the efficacy of physical activity programmes for improving social and emotional well being in at-risk youth. Key Practitioner Message:• Physical activity programmes have the potential to improve social and emotional well-being in at-risk youth, but more rigorous trials are needed to evaluate their effectiveness • As none of the studies included long-term follow-ups (i.e. >12 months), it remains untested whether the benefits associated with participation in physical activity programmes are sustained once youth return to their daily routines • The quality of existing studies is poor and has not improved since earlier reviews • Physiological and psychosocial factors may explain the beneficial effects of physical activity programmes on social and emotional well-being in at-risk youth • Clinicians working with at-risk youth are encouraged to consider specific physical activity programmes to support social and emotional well-being and general health in this group.

Intersectoral Action to Enhance the Social Inclusion of Socially Vulnerable Youth through Sport: An Exploration of the Elements of Successful Partnerships between Youth Work Organisations and Local Sports Clubs

“…Although research indeed shows that sport participation by youngsters is associated with several beneficial outcomes such as social inclusion (Feinstein et al, 2005), academic achievement (Bailey, 2006), and social and emotional well-being (Eime, Young, Harvey, Charity, & Payne, 2013), no consensus has been reached on the evidence for a causal relationship. In addition, the mechanisms that explain how sport programmes positively affect life skills of socially vulnerable youth remain unclear (Lubans, Plotnikoff, & Lubans, 2012). Interestingly, the youth workers are only positive towards intersectoral action with local sports clubs if these pay attention to a positive socio-pedagogical climate and to the social skills of the coaches.…”

Physical Activity for Cognitive and Mental Health in Youth: A Systematic Review of Mechanisms

“…46 The development of self-regulation and coping skills promoted in recreational activities such as yoga and martial arts may explain the positive effects of these activities on mental health. 46,47 …”

A Systematic Review of Life Skill Development Through Sports Programs Serving Socially Vulnerable Youth

“…Besides these social and psychological mechanisms, physiological mechanisms are suggested for the relationship between sports participation and emotional and cognitive outcomes. For instance, it has been shown that physical activity leads to changes in neurotransmitters associated with improved well-being (Lubans, Plotnikoff, & Lubans, 2012), self-esteem (Cerin, 2010), and executive functioning (Diamonds & Lee, 2011). Finally, Bailey, Hillman, Arent, and Petitpas (2013) suggested that as many sports programs take place in a social setting, such programs provide youth with opportunities to develop social skills such as communication skills, conflict resolution, and empathy.…”

“…Sports-for-development programs are sports programs intentionally structured to serve socially vulnerable youth's sports participation and/or life skill development (Coalter, 2015). Only Lubans et al (2012) systematically reviewed studies on the benefits of sports programs serving socially vulnerable youth. The authors provided an overview of quantitative studies published during 1990 to 2011 on the impact of outdoor activity programs, sports and skill-based programs, and physical fitness programs (e.g., aerobics and circuit training) on the social and emotional wellbeing of socially vulnerable children and youth aged 4 to 18 years old.…”