Sports as a preventive measure of at-risk behavior among urban youth: a presentation of the “Sports 2014 – Multifactorial Environmental Model”

Abstract

SummaryThe objective of this paper was to present an original project titled "Sports 2014 -Multifactorial Environmental Model", designed to reinforce positive behavior and create a sense of community among urban youth. It evolved together with the subsequent phases of an urban health promotion program that began in 1994 in Wrocław, Poland. However, the basis of this model was in creating a health promotion initiative that included elements of the Mandala model of health, an ecological model, and the 'Your Neighborhood's Coach' health promotion and at-risk prevention program, begun in 2003 by the Sports Department of the City of Wrocław and continued to this day. This type of initiative was designed to include measures typical of a prevention program while also promoting an active lifestyle through constructive leisure activities. Its guiding philosophy was the 'get involved' rather than 'dissuade from' approach, which has found popularity in programs of a similar nature across the world. The presented "Multifactorial Environmental Model" is addressed to active counselors, coaches, psychologists, health promotion figureheads, and policymakers whose goal is to reduce negative and anti-social behavior in today's youth. It should also find value among the pedagogical community of physical education institutions, as the presented work may serve as a source of experience when deciding on any significant changes in the education of future physical education teachers, coaches, and recreation instructors working with adolescents.

Sports for Development

“…Sports can also have an impact on emotional and motivational factors (providing a natural and tangible means to strengthen self-esteem and a sense of community), and on interpersonal and identity-related factors (the ability to cope with difficult situations and, above all, learning assertive yet positive behavior or how to establish meaningful relationships with peers) (Kulmatycki and Surynt, 2015). It can also affect substance abuse (largely drugs and alcohol) and other risky behaviors related to health.…”

“…EFFECT Review Kulmatycki and Surynt (2015) Effect of a multifactorial environmental model on behavior.…”

Sports for Development

“…There is a broad consensus that sports, physical activity, and recreation affect health outcomes positively. Sports can also have an impact on emotional and motivational factors (providing a natural and tangible means to strengthen self-esteem and a sense of community), and on interpersonal and identity-related factors (the ability to cope with difficult situations and, above all, learning assertive yet positive behavior or how to establish meaningful relationships with peers) (Kulmatycki and Surynt, 2015). It can also affect substance abuse (largely drugs and alcohol) and other risky behaviors related to health.…”